parenting guides; common baby diseases

Remember that ‘Immunization’ is Protection. There are still many diseases, which are very dangerous to unprotected babies, and even those which we do not see very often, can still, from time to time, appear and cause distressing problems.

Below are several common baby diseases:

Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria and spread by coughing/sneezing. It has almost been wiped out in the UK, but it still exists in other parts of the world and is certainly on the increase now in parts of Eastern Europe. The sore throat, which starts the disease pattern, can progress rapidly to cause severe breathing problems. The heart and nervous system can be damaged. Death can occur in some cases.

Tetanus germs are found in soil. The disease is still seen in the UK and unless it is treated it can kill. The poisons that are produced from infected wounds, etc affect the muscles and can cause breathing problems. You cannot catch the disease from contact with an infected person.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis). This disease, caused by bacteria and quite often seen, is extremely contagious and spread by coughing, sneezing, etc. In babies and young children it can last for several weeks. There are long bouts of coughing, vomiting and choking attacks, which cause extreme exhaustion. Severe cases of whooping cough can be fatal.

Haemophilus influenza type b is another bacterial infection that we see quite often in the UK. It is moderately contagious and spread by coughing, sneezing, etc. Infection can cause blood poisoning (Septicaemia), infection of the skin, severe infection in the lungs and also meningitis. All of these diseases can be dangerous if not treated quickly.

Polio is caused by a virus. This attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent muscle paralysis. Death can occur if the muscles of the chest are affected. Infected persons (and also those recently immunised) have the virus in their faeces (stools). This is how the disease spreads. Routine immunisation has meant that the natural virus no longer causes cases of polio in the UK. It is still around in other parts of the world (especially India), however.
Measles is another disease caused by a virus. It is very infectious (contagious), and we still see outbreaks of the disease. It is easily spread by coughing, sneezing and contact with saliva. Children who develop the disease have a 1 in 15 chance of developing complications such as chest infection, fits and brain damage. Severe infections can kill.
Mumps is a virus infection, spread by the usual coughing, sneezing, etc. Infection can cause deafness, and, in boys, involvement of the testicles can lead to sterility. In girls the ovaries can become involved. Mumps used to be a cause of viral meningitis before immunisation was introduced.

Rubella (German measles) is usually very mild. It is another virus that is spread by saliva, coughing and sneezing. It does not usually cause a problem in children, but if a pregnant woman catches it in her early pregnancy, it can harm the unborn baby. Death can occur in babies born to mums who have it.

TB (Tuberculosis) is an infection that is no longer common in this country. It still does affect up to several thousand people each year, however. The infection usually affects the lungs, but can also involve other areas like the bones or even the brain. The BCG vaccine is not usually given until children are at school (10 – 14 years) Babies can be protected in certain situations. A pre-vaccine test (Heaf test) is usually performed before the BCG is given.

Hepatitis B. There are several different types of hepatitis which all cause liver inflammation. The Hepatitis B virus can be passed on from either infected blood or be transmitted by sexual contact. There are some people who can be carrying the virus in their blood but they do not have the disease itself. If there is infection developed whilst being pregnant or if a pregnant woman is carrying the disease without symptoms, she can pass it on to her baby. In this case, the baby will probably become a carrier and may develop liver disease later in its life. Babies can, therefore, receive a protecting course of vaccine, beginning usually within 24 hours of their birth.

Meningitis. This is a disease causing an inflammation of the brain. It is a very serious illness, but most children can make a full recovery if it is diagnosed and treated early in the course of the disease. There are several different types of meningitis. Those caused by a virus are often not as dangerous. The bacterial types are the most serious and can rapidly cause long-term damage or even death. A vaccine has now been developed which can give protection against one of these dangerous infections - the Meningococcal Group C bacteria – and is being added to the schemes for immunization in babies.

original article from ivillage

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