Blog 2025-01-31

This week was spent presenting our infographics to the class. Since there is six of us, there were six presentations on six different diseases. Rowan presented first with Meningococcal C. Meningococcal C is caused by bacteria called meningococcal type C. It can cause serious and life-threatening infections including meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain, and septicemia, an infection of the blood. The Meningococcal C vaccine protects against infections from serogroup c, which can prevent severe complications of the infection: brain inflammation and infection of the bloodstream. 88.4% of teens received at least one of the vaccination dosages in the United States. Prevention and symptoms include: Some preventative measures include getting vaccinated, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with an infected individual. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and a rash. Next person to present was myself, on Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a serious liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Symptoms are variable and include yellowing of the eyes, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Some people, particularly children, don't experience any symptoms. In chronic cases, liver failure, cancer, or scarring can occur. The Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine is primarily designed to prevent infection caused by HBV, which can lead to serious liver diseases such as Acute Hepatitis B, Chronic Hepatitis B, Liver Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer, and Hepatitis B-associated Liver Failure. According to the HBV Foundation, as of 2022, only 30% of adults are vaccinated against HBV. Vaccinations for HBV are usually given at birth, however, you can get vaccinated at any age. The world Health Organization's, WHO, new 2024 Global Hepatitis Report alerts that the number of lives lost due to viral hepatitis is increasing. The disease is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, with 1.3 million deaths per year, the same as tuberculosis, a top infectious killer.

Third presentation was Kennedie regarding Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus. Tetanus is a rare disease that causes painful muscle tightening and can "lock" the jaw, requiring hospital intervention. Diphtheria typically affects the nose and throat but can also impact the skin and other areas. Pertussis causes sever coughing fits, starting like a cold but lasting week or months. Kids get the Tdap vaccine at ages 11-12, older teens and adults who have not had a booster should get it, especially if they are around newborns. Boosters are recommended every 10 years with either Tdap or Td (tetanus and diphtheria). Next came, Hannah with Measles, Mumps, Rubella. Also known as MMR, measles, mumps, and rubella are all viral infections prevented by the MMR vaccine. Measles involves cold-like symptoms and rashes, while mumps is associated with swollen glands and body aches. Rubella is similar to measles as it gives a fever and rashes to infants. The MMR vaccine is to protect your child from any of these illnesses. It is generally given in two doses at 12-15 months, then again between 4-6 years of age. The CDC hopes to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella outbreaks by getting all communities above 95% vaccinated. An outbreak of these viruses is feared and being closely monitored in hopes to avoid. Fifth to present was Hallie, on Varicella. Varicella, also known as chicken pox, is a highly contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a type of herpes virus. It is often a mild illness, characterized by an itchy rash on the face, scalp, and trunk with pink spots and tiny fluid-filled blisters that dry and become scabs four or five days later. A vaccine to protect children against chickenpox was first licensed in 1995. It protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.

This week also focused on forming a plan for our outreach project. My outreach project is teaching our faculty about traumatic bleeds and the safest ways to help. By giving a ten minute presentation followed by a fifteen minute demonstration about three ways to help someone with a traumatic bleed to the faculty, I will have practiced my public speaking skill, someone I apparently lack, and taught other people life-saving information.