Friday, February 10, 2017

Health Care and Diptheria

Diphtheria once was a major cause of illness and death among children, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The United States recorded 206,000 cases of diphtheria in 1921 and 15,520 deaths. Before there was treatment for diphtheria, up to half of the people who got the disease died from it.

Starting in the 1920s, diphtheria rates dropped quickly in the United States and other countries with the widespread use of vaccines. In the past decade, there were less than five cases of diphtheria in the United States reported to CDC. However, the disease continues to cause illness globally. In 2014, 7,321 cases of diphtheria were reported to the World Health Organization, but there are likely many more cases.

Diphtheria is an infection caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium, according to the CDC. Diphtheria is spread (transmitted) from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. Rarely, people can get sick from touching open sores (skin lesions) or clothes that touched open sores of someone sick with diphtheria.

A person also can get diphtheria by coming in contact with an object, like a toy, that has the bacteria that cause diphtheria on it. For more details, visit this website: https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/index.html .

Diphtheria typically causes a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness, according to the Mayo Clinic. But the hallmark sign is a sheet of thick, gray material covering the back of your throat, which can block your airway, causing you to struggle for breath. Diphtheria is extremely rare in the United States and other developed countries, thanks to widespread vaccination against the disease.

Medications are available to treat diphtheria. However, in advanced stages, diphtheria can damage your heart, kidneys and nervous system. Even with treatment, diphtheria can be deadly — up to 3 percent of people who get diphtheria die of it. The rate is higher for children under 15. More information on this disease is also available at this site: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diphtheria/home/ovc-20300505 .

According to HealthLine, in some cases, these toxins can also damage other organs, including the heart, brain and kidneys. This can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, such as myocarditis, paralysis or kidney failure. Children in the United States and Europe are routinely vaccinated against diphtheria, so the condition is rare in these countries. However, diphtheria is still fairly common in developing countries where immunization rates are low.

In these countries, children under age 5 and people over age 60 are particularly at risk of getting diphtheria. People are also at an increased risk of contracting diphtheria if they:
·         Aren’t up to date on their vaccinations.
·         Visit a country that doesn’t provide immunizations.
·         Have an immune system disorder, such as AIDS.
·         Live in unclean or crowded conditions.

You may also develop cutaneous diphtheria, or diphtheria of the skin, if you have poor hygiene or live in a tropical area. Diphtheria of the skin usually causes ulcers and redness in the affected area. More info on diptheria is located at this website: http://www.healthline.com/health/diphtheria#Overview1 .

Preventing diphtheria, according to KidsHealth, depends almost completely on giving the diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis vaccine to children (DTaP) and non-immunized adolescents and adults (Tdap). After a single dose of Tdap, adolescents and adults should receive a booster shot with the diphtheria/tetanus vaccine (Td) every 10 years.

Most cases of diphtheria occur in people who haven't received the vaccine at all or haven't received the entire course.The Tdap vaccine is also recommended for all pregnant women during the second half of each pregnancy, regardless of whether or not they had the vaccine before, or when it was last given.

The immunization schedule calls for:
·         DTaP vaccines at 2, 4, and 6 months of age
·         Booster dose given at 12 to 18 months
·         Booster dose given again at 4 to 6 years
·         Tdap vaccine given at 11-12 years
·         Booster shots of Td given every 10 years after that to maintain protection
·         Tdap vaccine during the second half of each pregnant woman's pregnancy

Although most children tolerate it well, the vaccine sometimes causes mild side effects such as redness or tenderness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, or general fussiness or crankiness. Severe complications, such as an allergic reaction, are rare. Much more information on this subject is found at this site: http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diphtheria.html .


Usually the matter is settled, one way or the other, in 7 to 10 days. Sometimes there are lasting complications such as arthritis, paralysis, or brain damage, according to this website: https://www.drgreene.com/articles/diphtheria/ . Cutaneous diphtheria is not as serious as other forms, but it usually takes up to 3 months to recover – and sometimes a year or more.

Antitoxin and diphtheria antibiotics should be given immediately. Skin lesions need to be thoroughly and carefully cleaned. Other treatment will depend on the clinical status of the victim. It may be minimal or critical care may be required. Most need tube feedings and frequent suctioning. Some need a tracheostomy, according to DrGreene.com. Strict bed rest is recommended for all those with diphtheria for at least 2 or 3 weeks, with heart monitoring at least several times a week for a month or more to detect any damage to the heart. Most people who recover from diphtheria do not develop immunity! They need to be immunized soon after recovery.

Diptheria is deadly, and can be spread easily in many situations. If you or your children have not been immunized against it, visit your doctor or a health care facility as soon as possible to be vaccinated. Preventive care is the first line of defense against this terrible disease.


Until next time.

36 comments:

Apu Mridha said...

Hey,
Thank you for sharing such an amazing and informative post . Really enjoyed reading it . :)

Apu

Medical Claims Management Services

Brighton Bikes & Bits said...

Diphtheria is a serious infection of the nose and throat that's easily preventable by a vaccine. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes and weakness.

Find Best Online Doctors in India

Unknown said...

I’m glad to locate so much of informative data in your blog.
Pura Dieta

dirty talking tips said...

Awe-inspiring blogs, I love reading your articles.
benistar

maikaljj said...

Truly the best blog I never got such information before this thanks.
here

Unknown said...

I’m trampled by your contents carry on the wonderful work.
human growth hormone

Unknown said...

Awesome work! That is quite appreciated. I hope you’ll get more success.
HTGABD

Richard Rey said...

You have an effect on is totally appreciative and full of interest.
Get koi cbd oil at allcbdoilbenefits

maikaljj said...

Your write-ups are far more than wow!
good guide

Anonymous said...

Thank you I am glad about the encouragement! I love your site, you post outstanding.
backhealthguide.com

Unknown said...

This written piece gives fastidious understanding yet.
Wordpress

Suzan Baker said...

The way it spreads is truly horrifying.
compare airport parking deals Birmingham
cheap Birmingham airport parking deals

Patricia Carter said...

I hope the things get better. These diseases never die out.
buy panic at the disco tickets
panic at the disco tour tickets

hannahbaker560 said...

This post is really valuable that designed for the new visitors. Pleasing work, keep on writing.
Iconic Medispa

Unknown said...

what a great info please visit here for more infor

Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Companies in Texas

Masti Karlo Ub said...

Online Shopping

Carrot Mask Cream
Online Shopping Health in Pakistan

Largo Cream
Online Shopping in Pakistan


Goji Cream
Online Shopping in Pakistan

Unknown said...

The problem is that you provide may be worth our time and also effort.
Qualia

Unknown said...

How To Remove Blemishes Overnight

========

How To Lose Weight

Aswin said...

This is an informative one. Really I didn't know about diptheria in depth. This article gives me the knowledge about diptheria. For more information about best oncologist in Trivandrum and PET scan centers in Kerala

Blogger said...

Excellent post about diptheria and its health care treatments. Thanks for sharing this information. Know about diagnostic services in India.

Francisco Smith said...

I was searching for many blogs site and now finally I have got this cool place with lots of information.
find this

Sajad Hussain said...

thanks for info

Regards
4

Aubrey Dickey said...

You create sense out of the foremost complex topics.
https://www.maxlifespan.co.uk/

Unknown said...

It has a totally appreciative effect and full of interest.More info

Aiza said...

thanks

Naved said...

Good information
you are interested persion..

Rodney Janis said...

Nice written!! I have been a big fan of your blogs. thanks
iop programs in georgia

Sherry Beck said...

The stuff in this blog is in not only incredible but also providing the great knowledge to the people.
how long to detox from heroin

Scott Harris said...

It’s amazing in support of me to truly have a blog site, which will be valuable meant for my knowledge. Thanks admin.
nerve renew review

Nellie Morrison said...

Hi I was searching for the blogs for many times, now I have reached at the right place.
alcohol rehab northern virginia

Alex Warn said...

It is interesting to know that most DJs today place their New Trends subwoofers right under their table.

Charles Null said...

This is one of the most important blogs that I have seen, keep it up!
iop programs in georgia

Sherry Beck said...

Hi to all, the blog has really the dreadful information I really enjoyed a lot.
best health monitorr watch

Abbas jahangir said...

Health benefits of Pistachios are pistachios good for you health benefits of pistachios

Robet John said...

You fully match our expectation and the selection of our data.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation

News said...

Thank you so much for sharing this article. Know the recent iGaming news around the world.