Why you SHOULD vaccinate your children....
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Autism myth lives on - Yahoo! News
By Sam Wang
As the brother of an autistic person and a brain scientist, I have been hoping that the increased focus on autism in the news would lead to a greater public understanding of this disorder. Instead, I am angry that this coverage is spreading dangerous myths.
My sister, Karen, is autistic. In the 1970s, my parents wondered why she behaved so differently. At the time, a prevalent idea[/URL] was that an emotionally distant mother could somehow prevent a child from understanding emotions or relating normally to others. Our parents had a simpler idea, that they might have hurt Karen's head during a bath.
Both these ideas are wrong. Autism is a increased risk[/URL]. In short, I dodged a genetic bullet. Now I worry about my daughter.
A link that isn't there
Recently, celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy and other activists have recent discussion[/URL] on <I>Larry King Live</I>, three pediatricians invited to make the case for science were no match for McCarthy's star power. Situations like this could mistakenly persuade parents to leave their children unvaccinated and vulnerable to contagious diseases.
Speculation about a vaccine-autism link began with a later retracted[/URL]. Subsequent speculation focused on the compound thimerosal. But removing it from all routine childhood vaccines in the USA, Denmark, Sweden and Canada has not decreased autism rates.
What are McCarthy's credentials? She is an actress and comedienne — with an autistic son. Her career took on new life after she wrote a best-selling recalled[/URL] that her son was vaccinated about the time his symptoms first appeared. Aha! That's it. Here is an example of her reasoning: "I believe that parents' anecdotal information is science-based information."
How we're wired
Although her concept of evidence is flawed, I don't blame her. The error highlights how our brains are wired to think. Like the authors of the 1998 study, she concluded that two events happening around the same time must be linked. They used the principle that coincidence implies a causal link. But there was no coincidence for her son: He was removed from vaccines[/URL].
The problem is compounded by "source amnesia," in which people are prone to remember a statement without recalling where they heard it or whether the source was reliable. Presidential candidate John McCain might have fallen prey to source amnesia when he repeated the vaccine-autism myth[/URL] last month. Recollection is more likely when the "fact" fits previously held views; parents might already dislike vaccinations based on their kids' reaction to shots. But when it comes to a complex issue such as autism, such errors of reasoning hinder us from distinguishing real causes from coincidences.
Out of sight of the cameras, increased research funding is spurring efforts to find autism's causes. Scientists are vitally interested in possible environmental influences. But the vaccine story is a dry well. Working on it further wastes valuable time and resources. It's time to dig elsewhere.
As I watch my beautiful 10-month-old daughter grow, I wish that preventing autism were as simple as withholding a few injections. But along with my wife, a physician, I understand the vital importance of vaccination, not only for maintaining our baby's health but also protecting our community from infectious diseases. Our daughter's next shots are in two months.
<I>Sam Wang is an associate professor of molecular biology and neuroscience at Princeton University. He is a co-author of </I>Welcome to Your Brain: Why You Lose Your Car Keys But Never Forget How to Drive and Other Puzzles of Everyday Life.
By Sam Wang
As the brother of an autistic person and a brain scientist, I have been hoping that the increased focus on autism in the news would lead to a greater public understanding of this disorder. Instead, I am angry that this coverage is spreading dangerous myths.
My sister, Karen, is autistic. In the 1970s, my parents wondered why she behaved so differently. At the time, a prevalent idea[/URL] was that an emotionally distant mother could somehow prevent a child from understanding emotions or relating normally to others. Our parents had a simpler idea, that they might have hurt Karen's head during a bath.
Both these ideas are wrong. Autism is a increased risk[/URL]. In short, I dodged a genetic bullet. Now I worry about my daughter.
A link that isn't there
Recently, celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy and other activists have recent discussion[/URL] on <I>Larry King Live</I>, three pediatricians invited to make the case for science were no match for McCarthy's star power. Situations like this could mistakenly persuade parents to leave their children unvaccinated and vulnerable to contagious diseases.
Speculation about a vaccine-autism link began with a later retracted[/URL]. Subsequent speculation focused on the compound thimerosal. But removing it from all routine childhood vaccines in the USA, Denmark, Sweden and Canada has not decreased autism rates.
What are McCarthy's credentials? She is an actress and comedienne — with an autistic son. Her career took on new life after she wrote a best-selling recalled[/URL] that her son was vaccinated about the time his symptoms first appeared. Aha! That's it. Here is an example of her reasoning: "I believe that parents' anecdotal information is science-based information."
How we're wired
Although her concept of evidence is flawed, I don't blame her. The error highlights how our brains are wired to think. Like the authors of the 1998 study, she concluded that two events happening around the same time must be linked. They used the principle that coincidence implies a causal link. But there was no coincidence for her son: He was removed from vaccines[/URL].
The problem is compounded by "source amnesia," in which people are prone to remember a statement without recalling where they heard it or whether the source was reliable. Presidential candidate John McCain might have fallen prey to source amnesia when he repeated the vaccine-autism myth[/URL] last month. Recollection is more likely when the "fact" fits previously held views; parents might already dislike vaccinations based on their kids' reaction to shots. But when it comes to a complex issue such as autism, such errors of reasoning hinder us from distinguishing real causes from coincidences.
Out of sight of the cameras, increased research funding is spurring efforts to find autism's causes. Scientists are vitally interested in possible environmental influences. But the vaccine story is a dry well. Working on it further wastes valuable time and resources. It's time to dig elsewhere.
As I watch my beautiful 10-month-old daughter grow, I wish that preventing autism were as simple as withholding a few injections. But along with my wife, a physician, I understand the vital importance of vaccination, not only for maintaining our baby's health but also protecting our community from infectious diseases. Our daughter's next shots are in two months.
<I>Sam Wang is an associate professor of molecular biology and neuroscience at Princeton University. He is a co-author of </I>Welcome to Your Brain: Why You Lose Your Car Keys But Never Forget How to Drive and Other Puzzles of Everyday Life.
Mumps Complications
Complications of mumps are potentially serious, but rare. These include:
Orchitis. This inflammatory condition causes swelling of one or both testicles. Orchitis is painful, but it rarely leads to sterility — the inability to father a child.
Pancreatitis. This is swelling of the pancreas. Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis include pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting.
Encephalitis. A viral infection, such as mumps, can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Encephalitis can lead to neurological problems and become life-threatening. Although it's serious, encephalitis is a rare complication of mumps.
Meningitis. Meningitis is infection and inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. It can occur if the mumps virus spreads through your bloodstream to infect your central nervous system. Like encephalitis, meningitis is a rare complication of mumps.
Inflammation of the ovaries. Pain in the lower abdomen in women may be a symptom of this problem. Fertility doesn't seem to be affected.
Hearing loss. In rare cases, mumps can cause hearing loss, usually permanent, in one or both ears.
Miscarriage. Contracting mumps while you're pregnant, especially early on, can lead to miscarriage.
Mumps: Complications - MayoClinic.com
Complications of mumps are potentially serious, but rare. These include:
Orchitis. This inflammatory condition causes swelling of one or both testicles. Orchitis is painful, but it rarely leads to sterility — the inability to father a child.
Pancreatitis. This is swelling of the pancreas. Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis include pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting.
Encephalitis. A viral infection, such as mumps, can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Encephalitis can lead to neurological problems and become life-threatening. Although it's serious, encephalitis is a rare complication of mumps.
Meningitis. Meningitis is infection and inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. It can occur if the mumps virus spreads through your bloodstream to infect your central nervous system. Like encephalitis, meningitis is a rare complication of mumps.
Inflammation of the ovaries. Pain in the lower abdomen in women may be a symptom of this problem. Fertility doesn't seem to be affected.
Hearing loss. In rare cases, mumps can cause hearing loss, usually permanent, in one or both ears.
Miscarriage. Contracting mumps while you're pregnant, especially early on, can lead to miscarriage.
Mumps: Complications - MayoClinic.com
<r><B><s></s>Measles Complications<e></e></B><br/>
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Measles usually lasts about 10 to 14 days. In some parts of the world, the disease is severe, even deadly. In Western countries, that's usually not the case. People with measles may become quite ill, but most people recover completely. However, complications may include:<br/>
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<B><s></s>Ear infection.<e></e></B> Measles causes an ear infection in nearly one out of every 10 children. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Encephalitis.<e></e></B> About one in 1,000 people with measles develops encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection, which may cause vomiting, convulsions and, rarely, coma. Encephalitis can closely follow measles, or it can occur years later during adolescence as a result of a slow virus infection. The late form, called Dawson's encephalitis, is rare. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Pneumonia.<e></e></B> As many as one in 15 with measles gets pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Diarrhea or vomiting.<e></e></B> These complications are more common in infants and small children. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Bronchitis, laryngitis or croup.<e></e></B> Measles may lead to inflammation of your voice box (larynx) or inflammation of the inner walls that line the main air passageways of your lungs (bronchial tubes). <br/>
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<B><s></s>Pregnancy problems.<e></e></B> Pregnant women need to take special care to avoid measles, because the disease can cause miscarriage, premature labor or babies with low birth weights. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).<e></e></B> Measles may lead to a decrease in platelets — the type of blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. <br/>
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<URL url="</s>Measles: Complications - MayoClinic.com<e></e></URL></r>
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Measles usually lasts about 10 to 14 days. In some parts of the world, the disease is severe, even deadly. In Western countries, that's usually not the case. People with measles may become quite ill, but most people recover completely. However, complications may include:<br/>
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<B><s></s>Ear infection.<e></e></B> Measles causes an ear infection in nearly one out of every 10 children. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Encephalitis.<e></e></B> About one in 1,000 people with measles develops encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection, which may cause vomiting, convulsions and, rarely, coma. Encephalitis can closely follow measles, or it can occur years later during adolescence as a result of a slow virus infection. The late form, called Dawson's encephalitis, is rare. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Pneumonia.<e></e></B> As many as one in 15 with measles gets pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Diarrhea or vomiting.<e></e></B> These complications are more common in infants and small children. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Bronchitis, laryngitis or croup.<e></e></B> Measles may lead to inflammation of your voice box (larynx) or inflammation of the inner walls that line the main air passageways of your lungs (bronchial tubes). <br/>
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<B><s></s>Pregnancy problems.<e></e></B> Pregnant women need to take special care to avoid measles, because the disease can cause miscarriage, premature labor or babies with low birth weights. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).<e></e></B> Measles may lead to a decrease in platelets — the type of blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. <br/>
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<URL url="</s>Measles: Complications - MayoClinic.com<e></e></URL></r>
Rubella Complications
Rubella is a mild infection. Once you've had the disease, you're usually permanently immune. About 70 percent of adult women with rubella experience arthritis in the fingers, wrists and knees, which generally lasts for about one month. In rare cases, rubella can cause an ear infection (otitis media) or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
However, if you're pregnant when you contract rubella, the consequences for your unborn child may be severe. Up to 85 percent of infants born to mothers who had rubella during the first 11 weeks of pregnancy develop congenital rubella syndrome. This can cause one or more problems, including growth retardation, cataracts, deafness, congenital heart defects and defects in other organs. The highest risk to the fetus is during the first trimester, but exposure later in pregnancy also is dangerous.
Fortunately, an average of fewer than 10 babies are born with congenital rubella syndrome in the United States each year. Rubella occurs most frequently in adults who never received vaccinations because they came from other countries where the MMR vaccine isn't widely used.
Rubella: Complications - MayoClinic.com
Rubella is a mild infection. Once you've had the disease, you're usually permanently immune. About 70 percent of adult women with rubella experience arthritis in the fingers, wrists and knees, which generally lasts for about one month. In rare cases, rubella can cause an ear infection (otitis media) or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
However, if you're pregnant when you contract rubella, the consequences for your unborn child may be severe. Up to 85 percent of infants born to mothers who had rubella during the first 11 weeks of pregnancy develop congenital rubella syndrome. This can cause one or more problems, including growth retardation, cataracts, deafness, congenital heart defects and defects in other organs. The highest risk to the fetus is during the first trimester, but exposure later in pregnancy also is dangerous.
Fortunately, an average of fewer than 10 babies are born with congenital rubella syndrome in the United States each year. Rubella occurs most frequently in adults who never received vaccinations because they came from other countries where the MMR vaccine isn't widely used.
Rubella: Complications - MayoClinic.com
Hepatitis A Complications
In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals completely in a month or two with no lasting damage. Furthermore, the virus doesn't remain in your body once you've recovered. Older adults and people with other medical problems, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and anemia, may take longer to recover and are likely to have a more serious course of the disease.
In rare cases, fulminant hepatitis — a life-threatening condition that causes liver failure — may develop. Especially at risk are people with chronic liver disease or a liver transplant.
In addition, some studies suggest that the inflammation triggered by hepatitis A may contribute to atherosclerosis — the gradual buildup of hardened deposits in your arteries.
Hepatitis A: Complications - MayoClinic.com
In most cases of hepatitis A, the liver heals completely in a month or two with no lasting damage. Furthermore, the virus doesn't remain in your body once you've recovered. Older adults and people with other medical problems, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and anemia, may take longer to recover and are likely to have a more serious course of the disease.
In rare cases, fulminant hepatitis — a life-threatening condition that causes liver failure — may develop. Especially at risk are people with chronic liver disease or a liver transplant.
In addition, some studies suggest that the inflammation triggered by hepatitis A may contribute to atherosclerosis — the gradual buildup of hardened deposits in your arteries.
Hepatitis A: Complications - MayoClinic.com
<r><B><s></s>Hepatitis B Complications<e></e></B><br/>
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Having a chronic HBV infection eventually may lead to serious liver diseases such as <B><s></s>cirrhosis and liver cancer<e></e></B>. Having had HBV infection as an infant or child gives you a greater chance of developing these illnesses as an adult. <br/>
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In addition, <B><s></s>hepatitis B puts you at risk of acute liver failure — a condition in which all the vital functions of the liver shut down. <e></e></B>When that occurs, a liver transplant is necessary to sustain life.<br/>
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Anyone chronically infected with HBV is also susceptible to infection with another strain of viral hepatitis — hepatitis D. Formerly known as delta virus, the hepatitis D virus needs the outside coat of HBV in order to infect cells. You can't become infected with hepatitis D unless you're already infected with HBV. <br/>
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Injection drug users with hepatitis B are most at risk, but you can also contract hepatitis D if you have unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner or live with someone infected with hepatitis D. Having both hepatitis B and hepatitis D makes it more likely you'll develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. <br/>
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<URL url="</s>Hepatitis B: Complications - MayoClinic.com<e></e></URL></r>
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Having a chronic HBV infection eventually may lead to serious liver diseases such as <B><s></s>cirrhosis and liver cancer<e></e></B>. Having had HBV infection as an infant or child gives you a greater chance of developing these illnesses as an adult. <br/>
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In addition, <B><s></s>hepatitis B puts you at risk of acute liver failure — a condition in which all the vital functions of the liver shut down. <e></e></B>When that occurs, a liver transplant is necessary to sustain life.<br/>
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Anyone chronically infected with HBV is also susceptible to infection with another strain of viral hepatitis — hepatitis D. Formerly known as delta virus, the hepatitis D virus needs the outside coat of HBV in order to infect cells. You can't become infected with hepatitis D unless you're already infected with HBV. <br/>
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Injection drug users with hepatitis B are most at risk, but you can also contract hepatitis D if you have unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner or live with someone infected with hepatitis D. Having both hepatitis B and hepatitis D makes it more likely you'll develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. <br/>
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<URL url="</s>Hepatitis B: Complications - MayoClinic.com<e></e></URL></r>
Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious bacterial disease that leads to stiffness of your jaw muscles and other muscles. It can cause severe muscle spasms, make breathing difficult and, ultimately, threaten your life.
A cut, puncture wound, laceration or other wound can lead to a tetanus infection and toxin production if you don't have immunity. Spores of the tetanus bacteria, Clostridium tetani, usually are found in the soil, but can occur virtually anywhere. If deposited in a wound, the bacteria can produce a toxin that interferes with the nerves controlling your muscles.
Treatment for tetanus is available, but the process is lengthy and not uniformly effective. Tetanus may be fatal despite treatment. The disease is rare in the United States, with less than 100 cases of tetanus reported annually. The best defense against tetanus is prevention.
Tetanus - MayoClinic.com
Tetanus is a serious bacterial disease that leads to stiffness of your jaw muscles and other muscles. It can cause severe muscle spasms, make breathing difficult and, ultimately, threaten your life.
A cut, puncture wound, laceration or other wound can lead to a tetanus infection and toxin production if you don't have immunity. Spores of the tetanus bacteria, Clostridium tetani, usually are found in the soil, but can occur virtually anywhere. If deposited in a wound, the bacteria can produce a toxin that interferes with the nerves controlling your muscles.
Treatment for tetanus is available, but the process is lengthy and not uniformly effective. Tetanus may be fatal despite treatment. The disease is rare in the United States, with less than 100 cases of tetanus reported annually. The best defense against tetanus is prevention.
Tetanus - MayoClinic.com
Diphtheria Complications
Breathing problems. Diphtheria-causing bacteria may produce a poison (toxin). This toxin damages tissue in the immediate area of infection — the nose and throat, for example. This localized infection produces a tough, gray-colored membrane — which is composed of dead cells, bacteria and other substances — on the inside of your nose and throat. This tough membrane, or covering, is dangerous because it can obstruct breathing.
Heart damage. The diphtheria toxin may spread through your bloodstream and damage other tissues in your body, such as your heart muscle. One complication of diphtheria is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). Signs and symptoms of myocarditis include fever, vague chest pain, joint pain and an abnormally fast heart rate. Damage to the heart from myocarditis may be only slight, showing up as minor abnormalities on an electrocardiogram, or very severe, leading to congestive heart failure and sudden death.
Kidney damage. The diphtheria toxin may damage the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter wastes from the blood.
Nerve damage. The toxin can also cause nerve damage, targeting certain nerves such as those to the throat, making swallowing difficult. Nerves to the arms and legs may also become inflamed, causing muscle weakness. In severe cases, nerves that help control the muscles used in breathing may be damaged, leading to paralysis of these muscles and trouble breathing.
With treatment, most people with diphtheria survive these complications, but recovery is often slow. Diphtheria is fatal in approximately one in 10 cases.
Diphtheria: Complications - MayoClinic.com
Breathing problems. Diphtheria-causing bacteria may produce a poison (toxin). This toxin damages tissue in the immediate area of infection — the nose and throat, for example. This localized infection produces a tough, gray-colored membrane — which is composed of dead cells, bacteria and other substances — on the inside of your nose and throat. This tough membrane, or covering, is dangerous because it can obstruct breathing.
Heart damage. The diphtheria toxin may spread through your bloodstream and damage other tissues in your body, such as your heart muscle. One complication of diphtheria is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). Signs and symptoms of myocarditis include fever, vague chest pain, joint pain and an abnormally fast heart rate. Damage to the heart from myocarditis may be only slight, showing up as minor abnormalities on an electrocardiogram, or very severe, leading to congestive heart failure and sudden death.
Kidney damage. The diphtheria toxin may damage the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter wastes from the blood.
Nerve damage. The toxin can also cause nerve damage, targeting certain nerves such as those to the throat, making swallowing difficult. Nerves to the arms and legs may also become inflamed, causing muscle weakness. In severe cases, nerves that help control the muscles used in breathing may be damaged, leading to paralysis of these muscles and trouble breathing.
With treatment, most people with diphtheria survive these complications, but recovery is often slow. Diphtheria is fatal in approximately one in 10 cases.
Diphtheria: Complications - MayoClinic.com
<r><B><s></s>Polio Complications<e></e></B><br/>
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Paralytic polio can lead to temporary or <B><s></s>permanent muscle paralysis<e></e></B>, <B><s></s>disability, and deformities of the hips, ankles and feet.<e></e></B> Although many deformities can be corrected with surgery and physical therapy, these treatments often aren't options in developing nations where polio is still endemic. <B><s></s>As a result, children who survive polio may spend their lives with severe disabilities.<e></e></B><br/>
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Other complications of polio involve the lungs, kidneys and heart and may include:<br/>
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<B><s></s>Pulmonary edema.<e></e></B> Potentially life-threatening, this occurs when increased pressure in the lungs' blood vessels forces fluid into the air sacs, filling the lungs with fluid and preventing them from absorbing oxygen. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Aspiration pneumonia.<e></e></B> This inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes results when you inhale foreign material — usually stomach contents — into your lungs. Although many factors can cause aspiration pneumonia, it's most often a complication of polio, which can impair muscles that control swallowing. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Urinary tract infections.<e></e></B> These infections begin when bacteria enter your bladder through the urinary tract and can permanently damage your kidneys if not treated promptly. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Kidney stones.<e></e></B> Kidney stones usually form when your urine becomes too concentrated, causing minerals and other substances in urine to form crystals in your kidneys. Over time, these crystals may combine to form a small, hard mass, or stone. If a stone stays inside your kidney, it can become so large it blocks the flow of urine, which causes pressure and pain and the risk of kidney damage, bleeding and infection. Untreated smaller stones may cause ongoing urinary tract infection or kidney damage. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Intestinal obstruction (paralytic ileus).<e></e></B> This is a blockage of your bowel that prevents food and fluid from passing through. Minor blockages may cause bloating and a distended abdomen, but more-serious obstructions can lead to life-threatening complications. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Myocarditis.<e></e></B> In this condition, the thick muscular layer of your heart (myocardium) becomes inflamed, leading to chest pain, an abnormal heartbeat or congestive heart failure, which occurs when your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Blood clots also may form in the heart, leading to a stroke or heart attack. <br/>
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<B><s></s>Cor pulmonale.<e></e></B> The result of prolonged high blood pressure in the veins or arteries in your lungs, cor pulmonale occurs when the right side of your heart can't pump hard enough to compete with the lungs' increased blood pressure. <br/>
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<URL url="</s>Polio: Complications - MayoClinic.com<e></e></URL></r>
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Paralytic polio can lead to temporary or <B><s></s>permanent muscle paralysis<e></e></B>, <B><s></s>disability, and deformities of the hips, ankles and feet.<e></e></B> Although many deformities can be corrected with surgery and physical therapy, these treatments often aren't options in developing nations where polio is still endemic. <B><s></s>As a result, children who survive polio may spend their lives with severe disabilities.<e></e></B><br/>
<br/>
Other complications of polio involve the lungs, kidneys and heart and may include:<br/>
<br/>
<B><s></s>Pulmonary edema.<e></e></B> Potentially life-threatening, this occurs when increased pressure in the lungs' blood vessels forces fluid into the air sacs, filling the lungs with fluid and preventing them from absorbing oxygen. <br/>
<br/>
<B><s></s>Aspiration pneumonia.<e></e></B> This inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes results when you inhale foreign material — usually stomach contents — into your lungs. Although many factors can cause aspiration pneumonia, it's most often a complication of polio, which can impair muscles that control swallowing. <br/>
<br/>
<B><s></s>Urinary tract infections.<e></e></B> These infections begin when bacteria enter your bladder through the urinary tract and can permanently damage your kidneys if not treated promptly. <br/>
<br/>
<B><s></s>Kidney stones.<e></e></B> Kidney stones usually form when your urine becomes too concentrated, causing minerals and other substances in urine to form crystals in your kidneys. Over time, these crystals may combine to form a small, hard mass, or stone. If a stone stays inside your kidney, it can become so large it blocks the flow of urine, which causes pressure and pain and the risk of kidney damage, bleeding and infection. Untreated smaller stones may cause ongoing urinary tract infection or kidney damage. <br/>
<br/>
<B><s></s>Intestinal obstruction (paralytic ileus).<e></e></B> This is a blockage of your bowel that prevents food and fluid from passing through. Minor blockages may cause bloating and a distended abdomen, but more-serious obstructions can lead to life-threatening complications. <br/>
<br/>
<B><s></s>Myocarditis.<e></e></B> In this condition, the thick muscular layer of your heart (myocardium) becomes inflamed, leading to chest pain, an abnormal heartbeat or congestive heart failure, which occurs when your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Blood clots also may form in the heart, leading to a stroke or heart attack. <br/>
<br/>
<B><s></s>Cor pulmonale.<e></e></B> The result of prolonged high blood pressure in the veins or arteries in your lungs, cor pulmonale occurs when the right side of your heart can't pump hard enough to compete with the lungs' increased blood pressure. <br/>
<br/>
<URL url="</s>Polio: Complications - MayoClinic.com<e></e></URL></r>
The number of measles deaths among children in the developing world has plunged by a startling 60 percent in five years because of intensive vaccination drives in nearly four dozen countries, <U>saving the lives of an estimated 2.3 million children</U><U>,</U> according to a report released yesterday by a consortium of world health organizations.
The most dramatic improvement happened in sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest area of the world, where the measles mortality rate dropped 75 percent, mostly among children under age 5. Health officials credit immunization campaigns in 37 African countries from 2000 to 2005 . . . .
Overall, the global measles campaign has cost $364 million over five years -- or about one-tenth what the US government now spends a year on fighting AIDS in Africa. The results have been striking: in 1999, before the initiative began, an estimated 873,000 people died from measles around the world; by the end of 2005, measles fatalities had dropped to 345,000.
Deaths of children from measles plummet - The Boston Globe
The most dramatic improvement happened in sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest area of the world, where the measles mortality rate dropped 75 percent, mostly among children under age 5. Health officials credit immunization campaigns in 37 African countries from 2000 to 2005 . . . .
Overall, the global measles campaign has cost $364 million over five years -- or about one-tenth what the US government now spends a year on fighting AIDS in Africa. The results have been striking: in 1999, before the initiative began, an estimated 873,000 people died from measles around the world; by the end of 2005, measles fatalities had dropped to 345,000.
Deaths of children from measles plummet - The Boston Globe
3,000 deaths were reported in the United States alone.[/B] However, with widespread vaccination, wild-type polio, or polio occurring through natural infection, was eliminated from the United States by 1979 and the Western hemisphere by 1991.
Polio[/quote]
did you know that the polio vax that we have is not the same disease that killed all these people?
and did yo know that most of the side effects of the vaccine themselves can be worse then the affects of the disease? hmm.... lets see death by something I gave my child or death by something I didn't give my child? I think I would feel so much more guilt by my child becoming sick by something I purposefully put in her body
Polio[/quote]
did you know that the polio vax that we have is not the same disease that killed all these people?
and did yo know that most of the side effects of the vaccine themselves can be worse then the affects of the disease? hmm.... lets see death by something I gave my child or death by something I didn't give my child? I think I would feel so much more guilt by my child becoming sick by something I purposefully put in her body
I have yet to hear of people being hospitalized from the measles. Just because you don't know anyone personally does not mean it does not happen. Most people had the measles in the 60's and hey wait they are still around to tell about it. Weird huh? Weird that they survived this deadly disease!!!!!
Come on now, there are some SERIOUS risks to the vaccine and serious risks to the disease, both are rare maybe but both are there!
Come on now, there are some SERIOUS risks to the vaccine and serious risks to the disease, both are rare maybe but both are there!
My children are completely vaccinated and the only side effect they have ever had is redness of the injection site. I don't have alot of sites to quote but my mother vaccinated me and my brothers and sisters and we never got sick. I always figured if it didn't hurt me or my siblings then it won't hurt my children. Kids don't change from generation to generation.
