Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

The hepatitis B virus causes serious and sometimes fatal liver disease. Vaccination against HBV prevents infection and its complications. Efforts to immunize only people in high-risk groups (people with many sexual partners, intravenous drug users, infants born to women who have HBV, and health care workers) have not been effective in eliminating the disease.
It is now recommended that all infants be vaccinated against HEV. This will help eliminate hepatitis B as a public health problem in the future. Three shots provide long-term immunity. Immunization is also recommended for:
•    Adolescents who were not previously vaccinated, especially if they are at high risk.

Health care workers.
•    People planning extended travel
to China, Southeast Asia, and other areas where HBV infection rates are high.

HaemophiJus infJuenzae Type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b does not cause the flu. It is a serious bacterial illness that causes meningitis and may lead to brain damage and death. Most serious Rib disease affects children between six months and one year of age. Every child between two months and five years should be immunized against Rib. Children over five and adults need immunizations only if they have sickle cell anemia or spleen problems.

Polio

Polio is a viral illness that leads to loss of mobility or even paralysis. It is rare today because of the effectiveness of polio vaccines. The first vaccine is given at age two months, and the series of immunizations gives lifelong immunity. An inactivated polio virus vaccine (injectable, IPV or Salk) is recommended for anyone whose immune system may be impaired due to illness or medications. Nonimmunized adults need immunization only if they have a high risk of polio exposure. The IPV vaccine is recommended for adults.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
MMR is an immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) (see page 167). Two shots (given at 15 months and 11 to 12 years of age) are recommended. If both doses are given, no further MMR immunization is needed.
If you have a 6- to 14-month-old child in an area with a measles outbreak, call your doctor or health department to discuss having an early MMR shot. If given early, the dose should be repeated at age 15 months for full protection. If you don’t have records showing that you received two doses of MMR vaccine, and you did not have these illnesses as a child, discuss your need for immunization with your doctor

Immunizations work by helping your immune system recognize and quickly attack diseases before they can cause problems. Some immunizations are given in a single shot while others require several shots over a period of time. Childhood immunizations protect against pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, haemophilus influenza, and hepatitis B. Immunizations also protect against tetanus and diphtheria, although booster shots are needed every 10 years to maintain lifelong protection.If your children are immunized, these serious illnesses will not be a problem. Schedule your child’s immunizations according to the chart There is no need to delay immunizations because of colds or other minor illnesses. Be sure to keep good records. Children often need to show immunization records at school.

Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (OPT)

Infectious diseases like diphtheria and pertussis were major killers before the DPT vaccine was developed. This vaccine also protects against tetanus (”lockjaw”), a bacterial infection that can result when a wound is contaminated. The bacteria enter the body through cuts and thrive only in the absence of oxygen. So, the deeper and narrower the wound, the greater the possibility of tetanus. With proper immunization, these diseases are rare. Childhood immunizations for these diseases are given together with a series of shots starting at age two months. Follow the DPT guidelines. The first booster is given around age 15. After that, get a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster every 10 years. Keeping up to date with Td boosters is important because tetanus can be fatal. If it has been at least five years since your last shot, and you have a wound (especially a puncture wound) that is very dirty or that you suspect may be contaminated, get a Td booster. Otherwise there is no need for more frequent vaccinations because this increases the risk of an uncomfortable local reaction.

Prevention works! You and your family can save a lot of pain, worry, and money by avoiding health problems in the first place. If you can’t prevent a problem altogether, the next best thing is to discover it early, when it is easy to treat. This chapter helps you do both.

Ten Ways to Stay Healthy

1. Immunize. Immunizations are the best bargain in health care. When you immunize, you prevent illness for your family and help prevent epidemics in your community.

2. Keep moving. Any way you define it, fitness is essential to good health. Even moderate exercise makes a huge difference both in how you feel and what illnesses you get. For a threepart fitness plan

3. Eat right. Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet of wholesome foods will keep you energetic and free of many illnesses. See Chapter 17. Consider breast-feeding your baby to help keep him or her in the best health.

4. Control stress. Even with a hectic and hurried lifestyle, you can prevent stress from undermining your health. See page 250 for relaxation skills.

5. Be smoke-free. Smokers who quit gain tremendous health benefits. So do people who avoid second-hand smoke.

6. Avoid drugs and excess alcohol. When you say “no” to drugs and limit what you drink, you prevent accidents and illnesses and avoid a lot of problems for yourself and your family. For more on drug and alcohol problems.

7. Put safety first. Safety at home, at work, and at play, safe driving, firearm safety, and safe sex will all help keep you healthy:

8. Pursue healthy pleasures. Take naps, relax during meals, play with kids, care for a pet-they all can add to your health.

9. Think well of yourself. A good self-image is the foundation of good health. For more on self-esteem and wellness, see page 283.

10. Promote peace. Peace on earth begins at home. Seek nonviolent ways of resolving conflicts at home, at school, at work, and in your community.