With so many vaccines on the market today, it is helpful to understand the diseases that can pose threats to people of all ages. The following glossary gives a quick breakdown of all diseases:

Anthrax – Bacillus anthracis is a bacterium that forms spores that then enter the body one of three ways: through a cut or burn, through breathing it in, or by eating it. Depending on the way Anthrax has entered the body, the symptoms can range from blisters to vomiting to bloody diarrhea. Eventually, breathing difficulties occur and can cause death.

Chickenpox (Varicella) – Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. The disease is spread through coughing and sneezing or from touching a person with chickenpox or shingles blisters. Symptoms include fever, an itchy rash of blisters, headache, and loss of appetite. Usually, chickenpox lasts a week or two and leaves no lasting effects. Adults who have had chickenpox are at risk for shingles after the age of sixty.

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