Pertussis rates have increased over the last two decades, primarily in adolescents and adults who have waning immunity from previous pertussis vaccinations or infection; however, it is infants who are too young to be vaccinated that bear the burden of severe pertussis. low vaccination rates against pertussis among adolescents and adults are a contributing factor to the rise of the highly contagious and sometimes deadly disease, commonly known as whooping cough.

A new monograph from The Joint Commission, “Tdap Vaccination Strategies for Adolescents and Adults, Including Health Care Personnel — Strategies from Research and Practice,” aims to help health care organizations implement or enhance tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination programs for adolescents and adults, including health care workers who can both acquire pertussis from and spread it to patients, other staff and family members.

Pertussis is the most common vaccine-preventable childhood disease and can be more severe than often assumed. most pertussis-related deaths occur in infants younger than 4 months. All infants less than 6 months of age, and any infant who has not yet received three doses of pertussis-containing vaccine, are especially vulnerable to pertussis infection and often require hospitalization for supportive care for coughing spasms and feeding difficulties. Adolescents and adults with pertussis generally have mild symptoms that do not require hospitalization.

The Tdap vaccine has been available only since 2005 and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that vaccination rates for adults are very low. Tdap vaccination rates among health care workers stands at about 16 percent, according to the CDC, despite the evidence that Tdap improves patient outcomes and reduces staff illness and absenteeism.

The CDC reports that adults may not realize that some of the vaccines they received in childhood will not protect them throughout their lives or that newer vaccines have been developed since they were first immunized. In addition, some adults simply were never vaccinated. these adolescents and adults play a significant role in the transmission of pertussis to vulnerable infants at home, in the community, and in health care and day care settings.

The monograph, which was supported by an educational grant from sanofi pasteur, was produced and published in partnership with infection prevention and infectious disease leaders from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).

“Recent pertussis outbreaks should be a reminder of how serious and contagious pertussis can be and the value of Tdap vaccination,” said Jerod M. Loeb, Ph.D., executive vice president, Division of Healthcare Quality Evaluation, The Joint Commission. ”This monograph includes strategies that organizations can implement and provides a foundation to improve vaccination rates among key populations. it is also a timely reminder that vaccinations save lives.”

The monograph includes:

• Information about pertussis and the Tdap vaccine.
• Barriers to successful Tdap vaccination programs and strategies for overcoming them.
• Evidence-based guidelines and literature that highlight practical Tdap vaccination strategies.
• Examples of initiatives that organizations have used to establish or enhance their Tdap vaccination programs.

The Joint Commission solicited leading practices to incorporate into the monograph and received more than 80 submissions from health care organizations. a subset of submissions was evaluated by the project’s editorial review panel; ultimately, 17 submissions were included in the monograph.

Electronic copies of the monograph are available on The Joint Commission’s Web site at jointcommission.org, and can be downloaded free of charge.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 9,700 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other health care organizations that provide long term care, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. In addition, The Joint Commission also provides certification of more than 1,700 disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. an independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at jointcommission.org.

View the multi-media release here: pwrnewmedia.com/2011/joint_commission/tdap/

I have not started my period for almost 4 months now. Lately, I have been gaining more weight (I eat and exercise good). I have also been having really really bad lower back pains. I have had to stop what I have been doing and they have bee nso bad that I have actually been knocked to the ground and have had my mom help me into the house. I will be sitting down not moving or anything and I have had really bad back pains. I have also been getting dizzy and nausous lately. It sometimes feels like the room is spinning, it doesn't happen that often maybe two or three times a week.

My question is this a sign of cancer or is this normal?

Go to the doctor you may have more frequent menses and endometriosis, fibroids… a huge list of things. Go see your OBGYN.

You do not mention how old you are.

Pregnancy and menopause are two conditions that need to be considered if the criteria indicates that.

Any condition in the pelvis can cause lower back pain. also kidney problems.

Have a gynae check-up it is good practice even if everything is normal.

Ovarian cancer is hard to detect early. there is often no symptoms or just mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage.

Symptoms Include

Bloating, a feeling of fullness, gas
frequency of urine
gastric symptoms like Nausea, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea
Menstrual disorders, pain during intercourse

Fatigue, backaches.

If your symptoms lasts longer than 2-3 weeks have it checked out.

Scientists are studying ways to detect ovarian cancer before symptoms develop.

here are some links

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Pelvic pain, discomfort, pressure

Changes in bowel movements such as frequency, consistency

Frequent urination or feeling sudden urgency to urinate

Pain during sexual intercourse

Abdominal pain, swelling feeling full, or bloated

Fatigue that is persistent

Weight gain in the abdomen

Sudden weight gain or weight loss

Keep in mind that these ovarian cancer symptoms may be signs of another illness.

Please see your physician if you are experiencing these symptoms for a definitive diagnosis or further questions.

For the past 3 or 4 months I’ve been extremely tired, I get to the point where I’m nearly crying in school because I’m so tired. my work has been very poor this year as a result, I’m normally an honors student and get all A’s, well I can definitely say I’m not getting all A’s this year. I get really cold all the time, even when people around me say it’s hot. Muscle/bone aches often, especially around the end of the day. Swollen lymph nodes most of the time. I went to the doctor about 2 1/2 months ago and he said I had an infection and gave me medicine which did nothing for me even though I took it as prescribed until it was gone. I lost my appetite for a month and didn’t eat, lost weight, but my parents noticed and now I’m eating for them so I’m gaining back the weight, but I’m still not hungry so when I eat my stomach hurts. I don’t really know what’s going on because I know my body so well and this is just confusing me. I get dizzy randomly, or extremely weak. I’m not sure if this issomething to be really worried about because the symptoms are pretty average symptoms for many problems, but I’ve been thinking it might be leukemia. should I go to the doctor’s again?I’ve also had a pretty rapid heartbeat and get out of breath a LOT easier than I used to.Cali – ha ha, very funny, I’m not sexually active.

I am married for about 3 years. we had premature birth about 4 months ago and my baby girl died before birth. we had sex many times after that but last night my wife suddenly had to much pain and we stopped. What would be the reason for pain, plz someone help me here….

could be gas, or could even be her period coming on soon.
if it keeps coming back she should probably see her doctor.
also appendicitis is a possibility may not have anything to do with the sex

Or do health care providers just tell you that so you get tested/

Herpes can take YEARS to show up. for example, up to 80% of the US population tests positive for HSV-1 (oral herpes/cold sores/fever blisters) but never have an outbreak! Recently, a widow of 20 years had her first outbreak of HSV-2, genital herpes, with no sexual contact since her husband died. Often, the infection remains silent and does not present itself unless a person is stressed, ill, undergoes an operation, etc. Many men remain symptomless and continue to spread the disease without knowing it. One of the big issues here is that STD tests do NOT automatically include herpes–you must specifically request they perform that test. if you are infected, it can take up to 4 months to show up in your blood.

Syphilis is another STD that can remain silent for many years–even though it can be detected in STD tests and successfully treated. there has been a recent increase in syphilis because people are not being tested as they should, and it can be fatal if it goes untreated.

HIV/AIDS also can go undetected for years–which is why sexually active people should be routinely tested for STDs. even with testing, HIV often is not detected in the blood for up to six months after exposure.

Many STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia) cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women, which can result in sterility. That is why it is very, very important if you are sexually active to have routine STD tests.

If you are NOT sexually active, then you are fairly safe not to have the tests, though many doctors will perform them during routine annual exams. BUT if you are sexually active, you should take a new test each time you take on another sexual partner–and demand to see their test as well. never, ever, ever take their word that they are STD-free. they may have been–a year ago. may not be true now!

Yes some stds can take a while to show up because your body can naturally suppress symptoms. they can lie dormant for months or years before showing symtpoms and even then some times the symptoms can be vague. It's not some thing to scare you into getting tested. but you should get tested regularly if you are sexually active because you never know who could have an std out there.

I am 2 months pregnant but have had no symptoms like I did with my first. I find this strange and was wondering what you thought? Think everything is okay?

Every pregnancy is different. call your Dr if you are really concerned.

i had no symptoms with my first….it was wonderful…….

yeah is ok and you should be happy that your not getting them trudt me their are not good. But is to early to say that your not you'll probably start getting them when you are like 4 months.

Yes, be grateful. You are one of the lucky ones! I wish I had that, I wish I had that now! Congratulations.

It's fine, you are one of the few lucky women!!! My sister never had any pregnancy sypmtoms, other than her belly growing of course, with either of her pregnancies.

The only person who can answer that for sure is your doctor. however, I wouldn't personally be concerned about the lack of symptoms. I never had any of the "typical" symptoms during any of my 3 pregnancies, with the exception of a loss of my monthly time. if you are really concerned, check with your doctor, but otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. each pregnancy is different.

Yes, in fact enjoy it. You may not have these symptoms later or you may. the only symptoms I had was a cold and sore breast like I was going to start. Now I am 12 weeks. still sore breast but very little morning sickness. Only when I change poopy baby diapers do I even get morning sickness. It's crazy because I have changed poopy diapers more than I can count with 18 nieces and nephews. But it is entirely normal. if you are concerned see about scheduling a visit with a doctor. it may put your mind more at ease.

Yes it is normal. not all Woman Expeirence Morning sickness or other symptoms. You are also still very early..not sure of how many weels. But Morning sickness usually doesn't hit until 6-7 weeks. I have always been very sick with my pregnancies but I also Know many people who Didnt have any symptoms at all..at least not until late in pregnancy!

i would call the doc and make a appiontment. are u hungry at all or are you sick do they kick or any think. u can e-mail me at

Every womb is different from women to women, some gets all the symptoms some get one or two and some women have no symptoms at all, thats not a problem.

Congrats & good luck!!!

When I was pregnant with my second, I had absolutely NO symptoms at all until the end of my third month. then the rest of the pregnancy made up for it. Ooooo…boy!

with my first 2 pregnancies I was sick all the time etc. (both boys) this time I wouldn't have known I was pregnant if I hadn't taken a test..and started to show at about 3 months..it's totally normal..but wouldn't you know it I'm having a GIRL!! LOL

It's completely normal. Every pregnancy is different..You're just lucky!

What would you do if it isn't ok? Think you can make yourself have symptoms? My God, be greatful and relax!

Are there any symptoms for a person with pancreatic cancer when they are near death? my grandmother has Stage IV cancer and it was diagnosed in December and they gave her 4-6 months.. and it's been 4 months. So, I'm just wondering. Any information is appreciated! Thanks!

TRY THIS LINK AND DR

LINK
burzynskiclinic.com/

Hi hello what ever may the type of cancer you have or need information about cancer you will fine all the solutions for that you are searching in this site, because i got many usefull informations from this site and it helped me to get well from my cancer, So go through this site to find your answers you need, stay in good health god bless you.

What type of hepatitis shows up in these cases? is it possible for hepatitis to show symptoms at the 4 months mark?