These seven childhood diseases can be prevented by vaccine

Diphtheria  ( the “D” in DTaP vaccine )

• symptoms include a thick coating in the back of the throat  that makes it hard to breathe
• it can lead to breathing problems, paralysis and heart failure

Tetanus ( the “T” in DTaP )

• it is also known as lock jaw
• signs include painful tightening of the muscles , usually all over the body
• it can lead to stiffness of the jaw that can make it difficult for people to open their mouths and swallow

Pertussis ( the “P” in DTaP )

• it is also known as whopping cough
• signs include violent coughing spells that can make it difficult  for a baby to eat, drink or breathe .  The spells can last for several weeks
• it can lead to pneumonia, seizures , brain damage and death
• it can be very dangerous to infants
• most deaths related to pertussis occur in babies younger than 3 months

Hib ( Haemophilus influenza type B)

• signs include fever, headaches, stiff neck, cough and shortness of breath
• it may be asymptomatic in mild cases
• it can lead to meningitis, pneumonia, infections of the ears, sinuses, bones, blood and covering of the the heart. It can also lead to brain damage, severe swelling of the the throat which makes it hard to breathe. Deafness can also occur
• children younger than 5 years are at greater risks

Hepatitis B

• signs include tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice , pain in the muscles, joints and stomach. However it can also be asymptomatic
• it can lead to liver damage and liver cancer  . Some people have chronic hepatic B infection. They may not look or feel sick but can infect people

Polio

• it is characterized by flu like symptoms however there may be no symptoms at all
• it can lead to permeant paralysis and death

Pneumococcal disease

• signs include fever ,cough , chills and chest pain. Other symptoms include meningitis , seizures and sometimes rash
• it can lead to meningitis, infections of the ears, sinuses and blood, pneumonia, deafness and brain damage

Children usually catch these disease from other children or adults who may not know that they are infected. A mother infected with Hepatitis B can pass it on to her baby at birth. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound  and is not spread from person to person.