Prevention

Scientists are seeking better ways to protect us from disease. Among the newest tools are mRNA vaccines. They give us a new way to help your body defend itself against germs. Here's how they work.

What happens after you get a COVID-19 vaccine injection? Here's what you need to know.

These are substances given to you to help protect your body from disease. Vaccines can be made from dead or weakened germs, or from portions of germs. A vaccine introduces your body to a disease in a safe way. It stimulates your body's immune system to protect you against the disease without causing you to become sick.

Influenza affects the lungs and is caused by several types of flu viruses. It can be serious, especially for people who are very old or very young. It spreads easily between people. Influenza can be prevented by the flu vaccine.

This vaccine protects against Hib disease. That's a bacterial infection that spreads through the air in coughs and sneezes. It can be serious, especially for babies and young children.

Pneumococcal disease is an infection. It can be caused by many types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The bacteria can infect the nose, ears, blood and lungs, where it causes pneumonia. It can lead to meningitis, a swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. This can be deadly. A vaccine prevents the infection.

Pneumococcal disease is an infection. It can be caused by many types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The bacteria can infect the nose, ears, blood and lungs, where it causes pneumonia. It can lead to meningitis, a swelling of the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord. This can be deadly. The PCV13 vaccine can prevent infection.

This is a serious illness also known as "lockjaw." It's a bacterial infection that causes muscles all over your body to tighten and spasm. It's a medical emergency.

This vaccine protects you against the virus that causes chickenpox. Chickenpox causes an itchy rash of small red bumps all over your body. And it spreads easily from person to person. It can be very serious. But, you can prevent it by getting the vaccine.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It spreads easily between people. This disease can be prevented with the hepatitis A vaccine.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. This disease can be prevented with the hepatitis B vaccine. It prompts the body to create antibodies that will protect against the virus.

This "combination" vaccine protects against three serious diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. These were once common childhood diseases, and they spread easily. The MMR vaccine can prevent these diseases in children and adults.

Poliomyelitis, commonly called polio, is a contagious disease. It is caused by poliovirus. This virus attacks the nervous system. It destroys nerve cells. It can paralyze muscles, including those used to walk or breathe. It can be fatal. There is no cure for polio, but it is prevented with the polio vaccine.

Every year, we're reminded to get the flu vaccine. Many of us do. But each flu season, some vaccinated people still get the flu. Why? Shouldn't the vaccine protect us? Let's take a moment to learn why the flu vaccine doesn't always work.

This vaccine protects against some forms of human papillomavirus (which we call "HPV"). This very common virus spreads through sexual activity. It can cause genital warts and cancer. In women, it's the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV can also cause cancer in the genitals, anus, mouth and throat of males and females. The vaccine helps stop the spread of HPV. It lowers your risk for some cancers.

Lead is a toxic metal. If you breathe it in or swallow small amounts of it over time, it builds up in your body. It's very dangerous for children's growing bodies and brains. Unfortunately, the signs of lead poisoning may go unnoticed until the damage is done.

Lead is a highly toxic metal. It can be found in things like paint, dust, water and soil. Lead can build up in your body and cause a condition we call "lead poisoning." This is especially dangerous for children. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family from lead exposure.

Before you spend time outdoors, be aware of the danger of mosquito bites. Some mosquitoes carry harmful viruses and bacteria like the Zika virus, West Nile virus and others. Here's how you can stay safe.

Before you spend time outdoors, you should be aware of the danger of tick bites. Ticks can carry harmful viruses and bacteria. A tick bite can transmit lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other serious illnesses to you. Here's how you can stay safe.

Bud bugs are tiny parasites. They feed on the blood of people and pets. If they get into your home, they live in your bed and furnishings. At night, they crawl onto your skin and bite you, which can leave lots of red, itchy bumps. Once in your home, bed bugs can be very hard to get rid of. Here's how to protect yourself.

Before you pack bags for a trip, consider your health. When you travel outside of your country, you may be exposed to parasites and diseases that your body isn't protected against. And you may not find the medical care you're used to. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to protect your health.