Pertussis is most serious for babies, who can get pneumonia, have seizures, become brain damaged, or even die. About half of the babies who get pertussis have to be hospitalized. Immunizations should begin at 2 months of age and are finished by 6 years of age. Pertussis is caused by a germ that lives in the mouth, nose and throat. It is spread to others through coughing or sneezing.
Paralytic polio is a virus that strikes children and adults and can cripple and kill.
Symptoms can include sudden fever, sore throat, headache, muscle weakness and pain. Before the discovery of the vaccine, polio caused epidemics in all parts of the United States. However, with the vaccine available and immunization rates at all-time highs, there has not been a reported case of polio in Illinois since 1983. Immunization begins at 2 months of age and is usually completed before school entry. However, an adult may need one or more doses if traveling to infected countries.