The various illnesses that children spread from one to another are no small concern to parents who feel as though they spend the entire winter wiping noses and taking temperatures. But fortunately, some of the more serious communicable diseases of past generations have been rendered preventable. Measles, mumps and chickenpox, which most children used to get as a matter of course, are three of the diseases that can now be avoided, thanks to immunization.
Measles
Measles, preventable by the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine or MMR, are one of the most contagious viral diseases known to man. Measles predominately affect children, but adults can also become infected. Measles are spread through coughing and sneezing, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Symptoms typically include a rash, fever, cough and watery eyes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says that fever can last a week or so and reach 104 degrees or higher. The rash can last for seven to 10 days. Coughing and chest discomfort can take up to 10 days to resolve. Measles can also cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and even death.
Mumps
Mumps, caused by the mumps virus and also preventable by the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine or MMR, are commonly considered a childhood disease, but can also affect adults. An infected person spreads mumps via coughing or sneezing. A child can also become infected by touching a toy, drinking cup or eating utensil that has been contaminated. The mumps virus causes fever, headaches, painful swelling of the salivary glands, muscle aches and pains, fatigue and loss of appetite, according to the Mayo Clinic. Complications for children who get mumps are rare, but can include meningitis, encephalitis, permanent hearing loss and in men, swelling of the testes, which can lead to sterility.
Chicken Pox
The varicella zoster virus causes varicella or chickenpox, which the varicella vaccine can prevent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chickenpox is extremely contagious and spreads quite easily via coughs and sneezes. Coming in contact with the oozing blisters on an infected person's skin can also spread the virus. Typical childhood symptoms include an itchy rash with raised red blisters, fatigue, headache and fever, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chickenpox is usually mild, but can lead to skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis and even death.
