12 diseases and vaccines that can prevent them

Besides disrupting the lives of millions of people, the novel coronavirus has highlighted the importance of treatments and vaccinations in and around the world- something that we took for granted for many years. While scientists and medical researchers are continuously working towards developing a possible cure for the deadly virus, it is important and necessary to acknowledge the dangers posed by the diseases that existed prior to COVID-19. That being said, here is a list of 12 diseases that can harm your loved ones, especially children and their vaccinations to prevent them.

Polio is a medical condition, which is a deadly infectious disease. According to reports, 1 in 200 people can get paralyzed after being affected by the poliovirus. The virus can spread from one person to another and can spread to an infected person's brain and spinal cord, leading to major paralysis.

Vaccine: The vaccine for polio is called IPV. Doctors recommend that your child get four doses of the same.

Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) causes pneumonia, meningitis and other severe infections. It is more prevalent in children and can do serious damage to a child's immune system.

Vaccine: Hib vaccines help to prevent Haemophilus influenza type b infection small children.

Tetanus is a disease that can cause painful muscle contractions and lockjaw in children. It can also be fatal and can prove dangerous even after treatment.

Vaccine: DTP provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease and is transmitted through person-to-person contact or through contaminated food and water.

Vaccine: Hepatitis A vaccine was developed in 1995 and since then has lowered the number of the cases.

Hepatitis B is an infectious liver disease spread through blood and bodily fluids. It can also be transmitted from a mother to a child during birth.

Vaccine: Hep B vaccines can prevent children from contracting the virus later in life.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is extremely prevalent in young children. The symptoms can range from fever, runny nose, white spots in the back of the mouth to rashes all over the body.

Vaccine: MMR is a vaccine that can help prevent children from contracting the disease.

Tuberculosis or TB as it's popularly known, affects different parts of the body, especially the lungs. In infants and children, it can affect the brains.

Vaccine: To prevent your child from developing TB, you must give them BCG shots.

Diphtheria is a disease that attacks the throat and tonsils, making it hard for children to breathe and swallow. It can also lead to heart failure, paralysis, and even death.

Vaccine: DTP helps keep Diphtheria at bay and protects your child from contracting the disease.

Mumps is a disease identified by swollen jaw and puffy cheeks. Symptoms may include fever, headaches, joint pain and more.

Vaccine: An MMR vaccine can protect you and your family against mumps, measles, and rubella.

Rubella is an infectious disease that can be spread by coughing and sneezing. It is very dangerous for pregnant women and can affect the baby in many risky ways.

Vaccine: An MMR vaccine makes sure to protect people from the disease.

Human papillomavirus or HPV usually has no symptoms, but it can lead to cervical cancer in women. HPV can also cause genital warts in both men and women, as well as cancer on other parts of the body.

Vaccine: HPV vaccination is recommended at ages 11-12 to protect against cancers caused by HPV infection.

Pneumococcal Disease is caused by a bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae. It can lead to ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, and even meningitis, making it very dangerous for children.

Vaccine: The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, also known as PCV13 is highly effective in preventing the disease in children.