Five to 10 out of 100 people infected with diphtheria die from it. A thick coating in the nose, throat or airway with swelling that makes breathing difficult. Although pertussis can occur at any age, it is most serious for babies, causing about half of those infected with it to go to the hospital. Pertussis can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and even death. Coughing often lasts six to 12 weeks.
Most babies vomit after the coughing spells and lose weight.
Tetanus Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, kills three out of 10 people who are infected. A toxin produced by a germ that enters the body through even a minor cut or wound. By the age of two, children should receive three polio vaccines, the first at two months, the second at four months and the third at 12 to 18 months. Polio Polio can cause paralysis and death. Virus spread by close, direct contact with an infected person or contact with the feces of an infected person.