Category: infections, vaccination, and hygiene

Preventing bacterial infections

 

Prevention is a focus in healthcare now  and immunization has  been one of the most effective ways to prevent disease ever developed.

The list of diseases that are “vaccine preventable” is long and continues to grow.

Vaccine recommendations may be based on a person’s

  •  age,
  • gender,
  • ethnicity and
  • concurrent conditions, especially diabetes mellitus, chronic lung diseases, heart disease and  immune suppressing disorders.

Vaccine administration may vary by

  • the number of doses recommended,
  • how far apart the doses should be given, and
  • which vaccines can be administered at the same time.

Immunization protocols have  become so complex that even physicians have difficulty keeping it straight without the use of paper or digital checklists. This is one area where the Internet and EMRs (electronic medical records) can be useful.

Find out what vaccines your child needs for protection against common  infections. 

 

 

Vaccines for infections caused by bacteria

I use the name of the disease and/or the bacteria, rather than the vaccine name, since there are different brand names for the vaccines depending on the manufacturer.

So successful have these vaccines been that most young doctors have never seen a patient with these diseases (unless perhaps they specialize in infectious disease, immunology, emergency medicine or critical care). And even I, who graduated medical school in 1978, have only seen a few, and none in recent years.

Diphtheria-primarily a respiratory tract illness in young persons

Pertussis, better know as whooping cough, also a respiratory illness, which has made a comeback in recent years, apparently due to a waning of immunity

Tetanus, also called “lockjaw”– due to a toxin which may contaminate a dirty wound

Menigococcal disease, which is one of many causes of meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining), but one of the most deadly, even with treatment

Streptococcal pneumoniae disease; the vaccine is often referred to as the “pneumonia vaccine”, but the bacteria can also cause ear infections, sinusitis, meningitis and sepsis (bloodstream infection)

Haemophilus disease is similar to pneumococcal, but more of a concern in infants and children

 

Overview of Viral Diseases

Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, while antiviral medications are limited. Vaccines exist for several viruses and bacteria, including influenza, MMR, and Hepatitis strains. However, diseases like malaria and HPV require additional attention. Many infections lack preventive vaccines, emphasizing the importance of consulting physicians for advice on vaccinations and disease prevention.

Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

 

exploring the HEART of infection control

 

Dr. Aletha

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you need to know about Measles

Measles, or rubeola, is a viral infection characterized by a spreading rash, cough, and inflamed eyes. While largely controlled since the vaccine’s introduction in 1963, recent outbreaks reflect setbacks in disease management. Serious complications can occur. Vaccination remains crucial for prevention. Consult healthcare professionals before dismissing vaccines.

updated February 28, 2025

for information about the current measles outbreak in the United States, use this link

About Measles (Rubeola)

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. This was thanks to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In recent years, however:

What is measles?

The rash of measles, also known as rubeola, starts on the head and spreads to the trunk (chest and upper back) , arms, and legs over a few days .

It was one of the “usual childhood diseases” that most of us over  55 years old contracted as children, prior to the use of the vaccine. It is caused by a virus in the Paramyxoviridae family and spreads by person to person contact.

The other “childhood diseases” were

  • Rubella, or  German measles
  • Chicken pox, or  varicella
  • Roseola
  • Fifth Disease, or erythema infectiosum

These all cause a rash, called an exanthem.

Mumps was also a common childhood disease but does not usually cause a rash.

Symptoms of measles include cough, nasal drainage, reddened, inflamed eyes, and a rash , pictured .

This photograph depicts the torso of a child who had been infected with the Morbillivirus known as measles, or rubeola, and was displaying the characteristic rash associated with this viral infection.CDC/ Dr. Philip Nader;This image is in the public domain 

Preventing measles and other exanthem

After the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963 the number of reported cases was reduced by 99%. In 2000 measles was declared no longer endemic (occurring routinely) in the United States. Thus public health officials consider an outbreak a major setback in the control of infectious disease.

Measles vaccine is usually administered as a “3 in 1” vaccine- the MMR, which has been vilified as a possible cause of autism, although that has been thoroughly discredited.

The other two letters in the mix stand for mumps and rubella (also known as German measles) both of which are also caused by viruses and for which no treatment exists.

No vaccine exists for roseola or Fifth Disease, but we have an effective vaccine for chickenpox.

MEASLES OUTBREAK 2025

KFF Health news offered this report about measles cases in New Mexico.

“NMDOH reported Thursday that an unvaccinated adult tested positive for measles and died, but the cause of death is still under investigation. This follows the Feb. 26 death of a Texas child, the first U.S. death from the disease in a decade. 

The ongoing outbreak started in Gaines County, Texas, just across the state line from Lea County. Cases in Texas continue to rise, with health officials there reporting just under 200 cases, mostly in unvaccinated children. 

As reported nationally, recent comments made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continued to downplay the role of vaccinations and instead touted nutrition and the role of Vitamin A. Vitamin A can be used in treatment, but it does not prevent measles, according to the CDC.“

continue reading the report at this link.

Growing NM measles cases ‘not a rapidly expanding outbreak,’ DOH says

exploring the HEART of health

My family receives vaccines, including the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine,  and I believe any potential risk is worth the benefit. I urge you to think carefully and talk to a trusted physician before you decide to forgo vaccination for yourself and especially for your children.

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Dr. Aletha