6 Essential Vaccines For Health

Throughout our lives we have to get several vaccines to prevent diseases that could have serious consequences on our health. Therefore, they are one of the most important protection measures that we can opt for.

In other words, vaccines are biological preparations that give us immunity against diseases.  They are created based on agents that resemble the microorganisms that cause the disease or its weakened forms.

Once the injection is given, the agents enter the body, thus stimulating the immune system so that it learns to recognize the threat, destroy it, and create a record of it. Such a registry makes it easier to recognize and destroy any associated microorganisms in the future, thus protecting the body from suffering from the disease.

Let’s see what are the vaccines that we should get in adulthood.

1. Seasonal flu, one of the most important vaccines

Seasonal influenza or flu is a contagious illness caused by viruses, but more serious than the common cold. This can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or runny nose.

Anyone can get seasonal flu. It usually lasts a few days and rarely gets complicated. However, we must be vigilant in the case of children, the elderly and immunosuppressed patients.

Some of the complications that can be suffered are:

• Diarrhea.
• High fever.
• Pneumonia.
• Stomach ache.
• Ear infections
• Epileptic attacks.

As it is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics, it is best to prevent it and for this the best way is to receive one of these vaccines per year.

2. Herpes zoster

Also known as “shingles,” it is a condition caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is important to know that anyone who has had or received chickenpox vaccines can develop shingles.

And, although the virus is in an inactive state, it is able to reactivate over time and lead to what is known as  shingles, causing:

• Pain.
• Blisters
• Rashes (especially on one side of the body and face).

If not treated correctly, this virus could cause a number of complications such as:

• Pneumonia.
• Blindness and hearing problems.
• Encephalitis and even death.

It is important to get vaccinated against the shingles vaccine after age 60. In addition, those who received vaccines against this disease must be vaccinated again to prevent it.

3. Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection similar to the common cold, but over time it can lead to: vomiting, severe coughing, and shortness of breath. If not treated correctly, it can end up causing complications such as:

• Prolonged and intense coughing attacks (making it difficult to eat and breathe).
• Pneumonia.
• Epileptic seizures and brain damage.
• And in more extreme cases it can cause the death of the patient.

Although pertussis rates have dropped markedly after the vaccine was developed, epidemics typically occur every three to five years.

Consequently, it  is necessary to be vaccinated against pertussis once every ten years to avoid this pathology.

4. Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection caused by a bacteria called Chlostridium tetani. It affects the muscles and causes:

• Fever.
• High blood pressure.
• Inflexibility of the abdomen.
• Severe muscle spasms
• Jaw lock and neck stiffness.

When tetanus becomes complicated it can cause fractures in the spine or in the longest bones of the body. It can also cause coma and death. For this reason, it is important to get vaccinated against tetanus once every ten years.

5. Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. It can be contracted from the cough or sneeze of an infected person. You can also become infected by coming into contact with an object, such as a toy, that is contaminated with the bacteria.

Among its symptoms, it is worth highlighting the formation of grayish, dense and thick membranes in the mucosa that block the respiratory tract, as well as fever, cough and hoarseness.

As in the previous case, it is advisable to get vaccinated against diphtheria once every ten years. 

6. Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease is caused by the pneumococcal bacteria. It can affect several body systems simultaneously, from the respiratory to the digestive.

When it gets complicated it can cause: deafness, brain damage, loss of limbs and death. For this reason, it is necessary that adults over 65 and those under 65 with certain conditions receive at least two vaccines.

Conclution

Vaccines are a good way to protect our body from diseases that can cause us irreversible damage and even death. For this reason, it is vitally important that you go to your trusted doctor to better inform you about the vaccine that corresponds to you and, of course, to get it.