Know about 4 diseases that could affect your son or daughter.
Then learn how to help protect against them.
It’s that time of year again. And since it’s likely that your child will be visiting his or her doctor before school starts, now’s the time to ask about how to help prevent diseases that could affect your preteen or teen.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis)
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a virus that will infect an estimated 75% to 80% of males and females in their lifetime. For most, HPV clears on its own. But there’s no way to predict who will or won’t clear the virus. For those who don’t clear certain types, HPV could cause cervical cancer in females. Other types could cause genital warts in both males and females. Each day in the United States, 30 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer (about 11,000 women per year), and it is estimated that each minute there is a new case of genital warts in men and women.
Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis)
Meningitis can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection—and knowing the difference can lead to different treatment approaches. Bacterial meningitis is a very serious infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Infection can be spread from person to person by close contact. It is characterized by fever, headache, and stiff neck. Complications can lead to a loss of limbs, brain damage, kidney disease, loss of hearing, and even death.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection spread by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms can include violent coughing, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. In the last 30 years, cases of pertussis have been on the rise in the United States, especially among teens, preteens, and very young children. Pertussis in preteens or teens can range from mild to severe. About 1 in 10 children with pertussis gets pneumonia. The infection often causes a lengthy illness that can lead to repeated doctor visits and missed school.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is easily spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. It usually produces a fever and an itchy rash, which can turn into blisters. Adolescents and adults are at greater risk for severe disease and serious complications, but there is no way to predict who will have a mild or more serious case. Rarely, complications may occur, including bacterial infection of the skin, swelling of the brain, and pneumonia.
With the arrival of fall comes the return of busy schedules. Don’t let time get away from you—talk to your preteen or teen’s doctor or health care professional about these diseases.