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What You Should Know About Adult Vaccines Do you know the facts about adult vaccines? 1. Among these vaccine-preventable diseases, which one kills the most people? Pneumonia Meningitis Flu Hepatitis A 2. Exposure to bacteria in soil may cause which disease? Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis Rubella Bacteria in soil can cause tetanus, commonly called "lockjaw." Tetanus bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, which can range in size from a pinprick to a deep puncture wound. Tetanus symptoms include spasms of the jaw muscles and painful muscle contractions in the neck, stomach, and limbs. Adults should get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. 3. Which of these infections can lead to cancer? Human papillomavirus Hepatitis B Neither Both # You answered: Both The correct answer is: Both Infection with human papillomavirus HPV can cause cervical cancer. An HPV vaccine approved for girls and women ages 9-26 can help prevent this cancer. Hepatitis B, a viral infection often spread through sex with an infected person or sharing a needle, can lead to liver cancer. A hepatitis B vaccine is available. 4. Which groups are at high risk of complications from a pneumococcal infection? People who are alcoholic People over age 65 People with a heart or lung disorder All of the above You answered: All of the above The correct answer is: All of the above All of these groups are at higher risk, as well as those with a weakened immune system or a non-functioning spleen. Those at high risk, including anyone 65 or older, should get the pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV) vaccine. It won't prevent all cases of pneumonia but can cut the chance of severe or life-threatening complications from pneumonia. 5. Which of these infections can lead to shingles? Rubella Mumps Chickenpox Measles The correct answer is: Chickenpox Chickenpox can lead to shingles later in life, an infection marked by tingling itching pain and a rash with red bumps or blisters. About one in five people who have had chickenpox will eventually get shingles. The varicella vaccine can protect children from chickenpox, and people 60 and older can get a shingles vaccine. 6. Which of these vaccines is usually given only to travelers? Typhoid Diphtheria German measles Rotavirus The correct answer is: Typhoid The typhoid vaccine is usually reserved for those traveling abroad to protect against typhoid fever. The types of vaccines that a traveler needs depend on the itinerary. Other travel vaccines include yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and polio vaccine if not already vaccinated for adults going to areas where the disease still occurs, including parts of Africa. 7. Which of these groups is at increased risk for meningococcal meningitis? Healthcare workers People over 50 Teens and young adults People with chronic liver disease The correct answer is: Teens and young adults Anyone can get meningococcal meningitis, but the disease can break out in living situations where people are in close contact with each other. As a result, college freshmen and military recruits should get the meningococcal meningitis vaccine. So should all youths ages 11 to 18. The symptoms of this potentially fatal disease include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, seizures and stroke. 8. What does the herpes zoster vaccine protect against? Herpes Shingles Cold sores Encephalitis The correct answer is: Shingles The herpes zoster vaccine protects against shingles. In people who have had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the nerve cells, then reactivate later and cause the painful rash of shingles. Even after shingles has healed, some people will continue to have chronic pain called postherpetic neuralgia in the affected areas. |