In: Nursing
Many of the disease we vaccinate against, such as whooping cough, are caused by bacteria. why do't use just use antibiotics?
Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection affecting the respiratory system.It is spread by coughing and sneezing.It is a serious disease for babies and can cause death.It is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella Pertussis.The symptoms of whooping cough are severe coughing and babies will have difficulty in breathing.Symptoms of whooping cough starts 5 to 20 days after exposure to the bacteria.It is important to vaccinate against whooping cough because vaccination reduce the risk of whooping cough.Vaccination protects the person from getting the disease and spread of the disease to vulnerable groups like pregnant women and babies. .Vaccine trigger an immune response in our body against the disease.There are two types of vaccines that protect against whopping cough. One is DTaP(children under 6 years) and other one is Tdap is for kids above 7 years and Adults.Vaccination provides immunity to the disease.Vaccines are inactivated organism that provide immunity to a particular infection.
Antibiotics are used to treat the whooping cough and it should be given early to avoid complications of the disease.Antibiotics like azithromycin,erythromycinand doxycycline is used to treat whooping cough.Antibiotics cannot provide immunization against the disease and it can be used to treat the disease.Antibiotics are used to inhibit the bacterial growth and cannot protect us from future infections.