Diphtheria is a rather common contagious upper respiratory system bacterial disease. This bacterial disease is spread by both coughing and sneezing putting it into a droplet contamination category. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and sore throat and appear two to five days after infection. Within a week a heavy membrane has begun to collect along the throat, tonsils, and windpipe. This collecting membrane can begin to cause some respiratory problems making the infected persons breathing more difficult. Diphtheria can result in death due to blockage build up or respiratory paralysis.
When someone first begins to realize respiratory problems they more than likely go to the doctor. At the doctor they will have a physical exam that includes checking the lymph nodes and be asked about medical history and drugs. One major sign of diphtheria is the gray coating in the throat. A small collection of this matter can be collected and sent to the lab for testing. Treatment for this drug needs to be quick considering the condition worsens quickly. The nurse will first give the patient a antitoxin injection, after this antibiotics will be administered.
Within a matter of days symptoms should begin to lessen, and within a week to two weeks all symptoms should have diminished. If not consult your local health care facility for further inspection. Tetanus Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by a contaminated wound getting infected with Clostridium tetani.
Tetanus results in severe muscle spasms. The muscle spasms result in jaw constriction which is how it got the name lock jaw. Treatment is obtained by a tetanus immunization shot; followed up by a booster shot every ten years. Side effects of tetanus immunization include soreness, swelling, and redness at injection site.
All symptoms should be gone within a short period of time and if the infected would does not begin to heal within a few weeks then the patient needs to go see the doctor again.
Rabies Vaccine The Rabies Vaccine is used for the prevention of rabies before and after exposure. Just like every other vaccine the rabies vaccine puts just a small amount of rabies into the body allowing the immune system to strengthen to the point where it can fight off rabies. Before the patient is given the drug the doctor or nurse will ask is he or she is allergic to any medications or if she has plans of becoming pregnant.
This vaccine will be given through a shot by either a doctor or a nurse. The rabies vaccine is commonly known for dizziness for a short period of time after administration. A client shouldn’t drive or operate machinery for two to three hours after receiving the drug. Side effects include mild pain, redness, and swelling around injection site. Rhogam Rhogam is often administered to patients who have possible blood problems during pregnancy or blood transfusions.
Rhogam can be affected if a patient is certain prescription and nonprescription medications, if you have allergic reactions to blood medications, or if you have blood problems such as anemia. Rhogam is taken at the doctor’s office or hospital through injection by either the doctor or a nurse. All over the counter drugs need to bed subsided for a short duration after the drug has been taken. Rhogam can result in very mild headaches or fevers for certain patients, and possible blood clotting.
This is most common for elderly patients who are bed ridden. Varicella Zoster Varicella Zoster commonly known as chicken pox is an immunization shot that is given to a patient who has contracted varicella or is trying to prevent it. Varicella is commonly found in children between conception and early school ages.
This infection begins as one or two small painful sores and rapidly spreads. In some cases the whole body can be covered in sores. The varicella shot is given at a doctor’s office or hospital by either a doctor or a nurse. Common side effects include fever, and sometimes chest pain. Varicella Zoster should be healed within one to two weeks and if not the patient should go see their health care provider again.