The first main idea, which has brought about positive changes to individuals health is the benefits of vaccines. Throughout many years, vaccines have benefited both children …show more content…
By preventing diseases, vaccines have allowed individuals to live a long and healthier life, compared to the many individuals that died before vaccines were introduced. Smallpox is one example where a vaccine has completely prevented a disease. It is a contagious and an occasionally fatal illness, which was once found all around the world but since it was eradicated in 1980 it has saved many lives. Statistics showed that since there was no actual treatment for smallpox approximately 300 to 500 million people died throughout the world (Epidemics of the past, 2013). The invention of the smallpox vaccination was and still is a huge breakthrough in science as it is the only disease to be completely eradicated by vaccination. This vaccine has changed and benefited individual’s health in a positive way as it has completely prevented the risk of individuals developing the disease since no one has actually suffered or died from the disease since 1977. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent many illnesses, another example, which proves this is a disease known as diphtheria. Diphtheria is an illness, which used to be a major cause of death in children until it was prevented by vaccinations. It is an infection of the nose and throat, which can lead to suffocation and also cause damage to the heart and nerves. Statistics suggests “around 10 per cent of people exposed …show more content…
Vaccinations are an effective process used to prevent diseases, however, just like medication they also come with some risks. For example, individuals can have negative side effects or reactions to the vaccines. These include pain or swelling where the individual received the injection and possibly a slight fever. However, in some rare cases, individuals can have allergic reactions straight after they are vaccinated. The symptoms usually involve a rash or itching that can affect either their whole body or some parts. A severe allergic reaction can also occur straight after a vaccination but only on very rare occasions. The symptoms include having difficulty breathing and some individuals may collapse. In both of these situations, staff including nurses and GPs know how to react therefore they can treat the individual straight away. Depending on the type of vaccine, individuals can have different side effects. Along with soreness and swelling which are some common side effects of the rabies vaccine, there are also a few negative side effects. These include hives and pain in the joints, which are both very rare. Varicella also known as the chickenpox vaccine can cause pneumonia and seizures as a result of a fever, however, both of these are very rare. Overall, even though there are a few disadvantages associated with vaccines I