What Is the Flu? Influenza — what most of us call “the flu” — is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It can make a person feel very sick. When Should People Get the Flu Vaccine? Flu season runs from October to May. It’s best to get a flu vaccine as early in …
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What Is HPV? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause cervical cancer as well as genital warts. It can spread through sex and from some types of skin-to skin-contact. HPV also can lead to cancer in areas such as the penis, anus, vagina, vulva, and throat. Recent research suggests it might be linked to cardiovascular disease …
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What Is Hib? Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria (Hib) were the leading cause of meningitis in children younger than 5 years old until the Hib vaccine became available. It also used to be a common cause of infections in the ears, lungs, blood, skin, and joints in children. Hib Immunization Schedule The Hib vaccine is given by injection at ages: 2 …
What Is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. People who get infected can have no symptoms, or they can have a mild illness that feels like the flu. Some can be sicker with fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice that lasts for a few weeks. And others …
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The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox (varicella), a common and very contagious childhood viral illness. It also protects against shingles. It is a live attenuated vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus. Chickenpox Immunization Schedule The varicella vaccine is given as a shot when kids are between 12 and 15 months old. They …
Babies are born with protection against some diseases because their mothers pass antibodies (proteins made by the body to fight disease) to them before birth. Breastfed babies continue to get more antibodies in breast milk. But in both cases, the protection is temporary. Immunization (vaccination) is a way to create immunity to (protection from) some diseases. Sometimes …
Along with obvious changes in physical appearance that come with puberty, your child’s voice will start sounding a whole lot different too. As the body goes through puberty, the larynx (or voice box) grows larger and thicker. It happens in both boys and girls, but the change is more obvious in boys. Girls’ voices only …
The flu vaccine is a good idea for all families. It does not cause the flu and it helps keep kids and parents from getting sick. Getting the flu is worse than having a cold and can make a person sick for a week or more. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated before the start of each …
What Is Collagen? Collagen (KOL-uh-jin) is a protein in the body. Different types of collagen are in many body parts, including hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and intestines. What Does Collagen Do? Collagen has many different roles in the body. It: helps make bones strong lets the skin and tendons stretch helps with healing after …
Flu viruses usually cause the most illness during the colder months of the year. In the United States, flu season is from October to May. Most cases happen from late December to early March. It’s best to get the flu vaccine early in flu season, ideally by the end of October. That way, the body has time to …
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