CityView Magazine

With all of the debate over vaccines, what’s a parent to do? A quick guide to common shots. The ABCs of immunizations HepB: Hepatitis B. This vaccine pre- vents a virus that can cause hepatitis, cirrhosis, ascites and liver cancer. The first dose of this vaccine is given be- fore your baby leaves the hospital after birth. Rota: Rotavirus. This vaccine, a liquid that is squirted into your baby’s mouth at two, four and six months, prevents a gastrointestinal infection that is a common cause of hospitalization for dehydration. Rotavirus infection is the single most common cause of diarrhea in infants younger than 2 years who re- quire medical attention. DTaP: Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis. This vaccine prevents three separate diseases. Diphtheria has oc- curred as an epidemic with a fatality rate ranging from 3 to 23 percent in countries where few are vaccinated. summer lways YOU’VE body Get the a wanted! 1400 Walter Reed Rd (Behind Zaxby’s and Starbucks) 910.423.6664 (OMNI) • www.omnihealthandfitness.net CityViewNC.com | 57 Tetanus is a gradual neurologic disease that causes severe muscular spasms. Booster doses of the vaccine are needed at least every 10 years. Pertussis causes whooping cough in children and the so- called 90-day cough in adults. Unless revaccinated, adults lose their immunity to Pertussis over time. Hib: Haemophilus influenza type b. This vaccine prevents a bacterium that can cause meningitis, epiglottitis, otitis media, sinusitis, septic arthritis, febrile bacteremia, cellulitis, pneumonia and empyema, all potentially life-threaten- ing diseases in young children. Pneumococcal: This vaccine prevents the most common strains of the most common cause of ear infections, sinus- itis, pneumonia, and occult bacteremia in children. This vaccine has dramati- cally decreased the number of serious common infections in young children. IPV: Inactivated Polio. Polio, a debili- tating neurologic disease, is now rarely seen. MMR: Measles, Mumps, Rubella. This is the most controversial vaccine in the list because some parents see a link between thimerosal, a preservative in certain vaccines containing extremely small traces of mercury, and autism. Measles is described above. Mumps can cause sterility in men. Women should be Rubella immune before pregnancy to prevent serious birth defects. Varicella: Chicken Pox. Before this vac- cine was introduced, most children got chicken pox and did fine (except for an itchy rash and fever). Teens, adults, and immune-compromised patients, however, had a higher rate of complica- tions including pneumonia and death. JOIN NOW! Summer FREE No Payments Till Sept.!

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