Module 15: Immunization and Communicable Diseases

Question 1

communicable disease:

Answer 1

disease that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from one person to another

Question 2

incubation period

Answer 2

time between invasion of the pathogen and onset of symptoms

Question 3

contagious period

Answer 3

period of time where the pathogen can be passed from one human to another

Question 4

vaccines

Answer 4

• live attenuated (pathogen is weakened) MMR, Varicella, Rotavirus
• inactivated (pathogen has been killed) response is less robust - booster shots may be required, Hep A, Pollio, Rabia, Influenza ‘

Question 5

Who Does not get Immunized?

Answer 5

• some people cannot be immunized (immunosuppressed infants and adults)
• may be related to religious or personal beliefs

Question 6

Are Vaccines Safe?

Answer 6

• can be some allergic/anaphylactic reactions these are very rare
• can cause fever, symptoms of the disease
• allergies to eggs, some antibiotics and pregnancy may be contraindications to giving some immunizations
• no vaccine, however is completely safe in all circumstances in every individual
• some serious adverse reactions are very rare
• deaths are so rare as to make it impossible to get statistics - no deaths have been verified due to immunization alone

Question 7

Describe the recommended schedule for immunization of children in Alberta

Answer 7

• by the time a child leaves grade 9 they should have all their immunizations

Question 8

Discuss how the Code of Ethics will apply to families who have diverse values, and beliefs around immunizations

Answer 8

• immunization is not mandatory in Canada, unless dependent on career choice

Question 9

Chicken Pox (Varicella

Answer 9

causes: varicella -zoster

S&S:
- mild fever, malaise, papules, vesicles, pustules, scabs

Incubation:
- 2-3 weeks

Prevention/treatment
- vaccine

Length of Contagious
- 6 days after rash, isolate until all lesions are dry

Question 10

Rubella (German Measles)

Answer 10

causes: rubella virus

S&S:
- mild fever, cough, cold, enlarged glands, rose coloured rash

Incubation
- 2-3 weeks

Prevention/treatment
- vaccination

Length of contagious
- until rash fades (3 days)

Question 11

Rubeola (Measles)

Answer 11

causes: measles

S&S:
- fever, cough, conjunctivitis, koplik spots, maculopapular rash

Incubation period
- 1-2 weeks

Prevention/treatment
- vacine

Length of contagious
- 4 days before to 5 days after rash appears

Question 12

Roseola

Answer 12

causes: HSV 6 and HVS 7 (herpes virus)

S&S:
- persistent high fever that disappears when rash appears

Incubation period
- 2 weeks

No vaccine

Length of Contagious
- until rash fades

Question 13

Mumps (Parotitis)

Answer 13

causes: paramyxovirus

S&S:
- fever, headache, swollen parotid gland, jaw pain

Incubation period
- 14-21 days

Prevention/treatment
- vaccine

Length of Contagious
- until swelling subsides

Question 14

Infectious Mononucleosis

Answer 14

causes: epstein barr virus

S&S:
- low grade fever, malaise, jaundice, enlarged spleen

Incubation period:
- 2-6 weeks

Prevention/treatment
- limit contact with saliva

Length of contagious
- may return to school when fever and swelling are normal (may be contagious for 3+ months)