Recent measles outbreaks and infant deaths from whooping cough have seen a renewed public interest in vaccination. Usually, vaccination is seen primarily as an act of personal protection – getting yourself vaccinated against measles, for example, will (in most cases) protect you from catching the measles. Vaccines also protect from disease through the action of … Continue reading
Tag Archives: vaccine
Whooping cough – A deadly irritant
100 days. That’s over 3 months. A relatively long time, but an especially long time to have a terrible cough. Whooping cough, also known as the 100 days cough, is caused by the bacteria Bortedella pertussis. It is highly infectious and, like measles, spread by coughing and sneezing. One of the major causes of childhood … Continue reading
Battling measles (and why vaccination is critical)
It always strikes me that a strident movement against vaccinations is only possible in a society where vaccine-preventable diseases are mostly invisible. I want to talk about measles, one of the most contagious viruses known and which, thanks to a very effective vaccine, is on the path to eradication. Australia was officially declared measles-free last … Continue reading
shot of sanity 