Whooping Cough
Another highly infectious disease that your little one can come in contact with, it merely starts off as a slight cold with little coughs. But as time passes, the coughing spasms get more and more severe and can easily last for several weeks. In children, it also might lead to problems like vomiting, weight loss or even pneumonia. In order to make sure that your child is protected from this highly infectious disease, the DTP vaccine is available and helps to a great extent in preventing your child from catching this disease.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is the kind of virus that usually affects children who are between 3 months and two years of age. The main problem that this disease causes is severe diarrhea and as a result of this, also results in dehydration. The main route of the spread of this disease is personal contact, airborne droplets of infected bodily fluid or coming in contact with someone suffering from the disease. Apart from the diarrhea, the child might also suffer from fever, abdominal pain and projectile vomiting. The rotavirus vaccine is present to prevent the baby from catching this disease.
Tetanus
We have all heard the term “lockjaw” have we not? But do you know what causes lockjaw? Tetanus is also called lockjaw is a disease that can cause extremely painful spasms when muscle contraction occurs. This is one of the most fatal diseases known to man. Caused by bacteria, that is mostly found in soil and animal manure, and can easily enter the body through a cut or a wound. Another way for the bacteria to enter your body is through an animal bite. Here also, the DTP vaccines comes as a saviour
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that essentially affects the lungs and is and airborne disease nature. Whenever a person comes in contact with another person who is suffering from the disease, or comes in contact with the mucus from the infected person’s sneeze/cough, then the chances of the healthy person catching the disease are high. The main symptoms of TB are constant coughing, chest pains, sometimes the appearance of blood in sputum, weakness, weight loss, night-sweats etc. Thanks to the BCG vaccine however, which acts as an amazing preventive of the disease, the number of TB cases has gone down drastically.
Typhoid
The main mode of the spread of this disease is through the consumption of food or water contaminated by the urine or faeces of an infected person. This is basically a bacterial disease and is quite contagious too. Some of the more noticeable symptoms of children affected by typhoid are high fever, headaches, enlarged spleen/liver, or changes in motion that can include both constipation and diarrhea. To make sure that your little one does not suffer from this disease, do remember to get him/her vaccinated with the typhoid vaccine.
FAQ's
Q. What is whooping cough and how does it affect children?
Ans.Whooping cough, or pertussis, starts like a mild cold but worsens into severe coughing fits that may last weeks. It can lead to vomiting, weight loss, and pneumonia in children. It’s highly contagious but preventable with the DTP vaccine, which provides crucial protection from this serious illness.
Q. How does the DTP vaccine help prevent whooping cough?
Ans.The DTP vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). It helps your child build immunity, preventing the infection or reducing its severity. Early vaccination greatly lowers the risk of severe coughing spells and complications, especially important in infants and toddlers who are more vulnerable.
Q. What is rotavirus and who is most at risk?
Ans.Rotavirus primarily affects children aged 3 months to 2 years. It causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, often leading to dangerous dehydration. It spreads easily through personal contact or contaminated surfaces. Thankfully, a rotavirus vaccine exists to protect infants from the most severe forms of the illness.
Q. How does the rotavirus vaccine protect my child?
Ans.The rotavirus vaccine is given orally and helps prevent severe diarrhea and vomiting caused by the virus. It strengthens your child’s immunity, reducing the risk of hospitalization and dehydration. It’s most effective when administered in the first few months of life, as per your doctor’s vaccination schedule.
Q. What is tetanus and how can children get it?
Ans.Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a severe bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and can be life-threatening. It enters through cuts, wounds, or animal bites, especially from contaminated soil or surfaces. The DTP vaccine includes protection against tetanus and is essential for all children starting at infancy.
Q. Why is the DTP vaccine important for tetanus prevention?
Ans.Tetanus has no cure once symptoms start, but it is highly preventable with vaccination. The DTP vaccine trains your child’s immune system to fight off tetanus bacteria, preventing the disease even if your child gets a wound or injury. Booster shots help maintain long-term immunity.
Q. What causes tuberculosis in children?
Ans.Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial lung infection spread through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes of infected individuals. Children may experience persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. It spreads easily in crowded places, making early BCG vaccination crucial for protection.
Q. How does the BCG vaccine prevent TB in children?
Ans.The BCG vaccine is administered shortly after birth to protect against tuberculosis, especially severe forms like TB meningitis in children. While it may not completely prevent lung TB, it significantly reduces the severity and risk of complications, making it an essential early childhood vaccine.
Q. What is typhoid and how does it spread?
Ans.Typhoid is a contagious bacterial disease that spreads through contaminated food or water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms in children include high fever, headache, digestive changes, and enlarged liver or spleen. Preventive measures include safe hygiene practices and timely vaccination against typhoid.
Q. How does the typhoid vaccine protect my child?
Ans.The typhoid vaccine builds immunity against the Salmonella typhi bacteria, helping prevent infection from contaminated food or water. It reduces the risk of high fever, diarrhea, and serious complications. Vaccination, combined with clean drinking water and hygienic food habits, offers comprehensive protection for your child.
