Is immunization really the best protection against communicable diseases? If not, what is?
Actually, the best way to protect oneself from diseases is not through vaccines but simply through good personal hygiene. In instances where a vaccine against a specific pathogenic microorganism is available, immunization is indeed the most effective means to prevent the disease that is caused by the microorganism. Unfortunately, we don’t have vaccines for all infectious diseases. Vaccines are available for less than a couple of dozen diseases, yet infectious agents—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—number in the hundreds.
Personal hygiene refers to maintaining cleanliness of the body. It is accomplished by regular bathing, hair grooming, hand washing, tooth brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, etc. Conditions that can be prevented by good personal hygiene include most cases of diarrhea, intestinal parasitism, amoebiasis, hepatitis A, typhoid and other enteric fevers; fungal and parasitic skin infestations such as head lice, body lice, athlete’s foot, and scabies; eye infections such as sore eyes; dental caries, gum diseases, and bad breath; respiratory tract infections; and body odor.
The value of personal hygiene as a protection against diseases is still not appreciated very well by Filipinos as shown by Department of Health (DOH) statistics. Diarrheal diseases that are caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, the most common of the conditions attributable to poor personal hygiene, still account for a significant number of morbidities and mortalities in the Philippines, especially among children. Worm infestation (ascaris, trichuris, and hook worm) that contributes to malnutrition and anemia is still widespread. In 1997, DOH surveys showed that the prevalence of soil-transmitted roundworms in the country is a high 57% in Metro-Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. This figure is most likely still true today and probably applies to other areas of the country as well. The 1998 DOH Kilatis Kutis Campaign showed that 33% of those who consulted are affected by fungal skin infection, 35% have scabies, 92.4% have dental caries, and 76.3% have periodontal or gum diseases. Studies on Health and Sanitation conducted by the DOH in 1996 revealed that few school children recognized that poor personal hygiene could cause illness. - manilabulletin
Actually, the best way to protect oneself from diseases is not through vaccines but simply through good personal hygiene. In instances where a vaccine against a specific pathogenic microorganism is available, immunization is indeed the most effective means to prevent the disease that is caused by the microorganism. Unfortunately, we don’t have vaccines for all infectious diseases. Vaccines are available for less than a couple of dozen diseases, yet infectious agents—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—number in the hundreds.
Personal hygiene refers to maintaining cleanliness of the body. It is accomplished by regular bathing, hair grooming, hand washing, tooth brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, etc. Conditions that can be prevented by good personal hygiene include most cases of diarrhea, intestinal parasitism, amoebiasis, hepatitis A, typhoid and other enteric fevers; fungal and parasitic skin infestations such as head lice, body lice, athlete’s foot, and scabies; eye infections such as sore eyes; dental caries, gum diseases, and bad breath; respiratory tract infections; and body odor.
The value of personal hygiene as a protection against diseases is still not appreciated very well by Filipinos as shown by Department of Health (DOH) statistics. Diarrheal diseases that are caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, the most common of the conditions attributable to poor personal hygiene, still account for a significant number of morbidities and mortalities in the Philippines, especially among children. Worm infestation (ascaris, trichuris, and hook worm) that contributes to malnutrition and anemia is still widespread. In 1997, DOH surveys showed that the prevalence of soil-transmitted roundworms in the country is a high 57% in Metro-Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. This figure is most likely still true today and probably applies to other areas of the country as well. The 1998 DOH Kilatis Kutis Campaign showed that 33% of those who consulted are affected by fungal skin infection, 35% have scabies, 92.4% have dental caries, and 76.3% have periodontal or gum diseases. Studies on Health and Sanitation conducted by the DOH in 1996 revealed that few school children recognized that poor personal hygiene could cause illness. - manilabulletin
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