Chickenpox parties??
Someone mentioned “Chickenpox parties” the other day, and while I had heard of that before, this time it really got me heated. Of course, I went ahead and started searching out some information, because that’s what I do, and found … Continued
What’s the difference between Tdap and DTaP?
The DTaP vaccine is for children 0-7 years and the Tdap vaccine is the booster given at age 11 and to adults age 19-64. Both are inactivated bacterial vaccines that protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis. We consider Tdap … Continued
Dr. Seuss and the Pro-Vaccine Movement Through Illustration
Hi science nerds! Did you know the first recorded instance of the word “nerd” is in Dr. Seuss’ ‘If I Ran the Zoo’ published in 1950? He wasn’t an actual doctor. He added the “Dr.” to his pen name because … Continued
A baby gave ME whooping cough–Marguerite’s Tale
It’s January 2006 and Marguerite is working as the lead teacher in the infant room at a daycare. In the season of viral colds, these small children are in and out of the classroom with stuffy noses and watery eyes almost daily. But … Continued
I Had Shingles Twice–in College AND While Pregnant
Shingles is what you get when the chickenpox virus flares back up in your body again. When you get better from chicken pox the virus goes to sleep (dormant) in your nerve roots. For lots of people the virus stays dormant forever, … Continued