MedicineNet

Immunizations Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical tests and procedures are used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Immunizations that may be used to diagnose or monitor the status of the diseases and conditions listed below.

  • Chickenpox (Varicella) Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation...learn more »
    In This Article
    Chickenpox (Varicella) Article
    • What is chickenpox? What causes chickenpox?
    • How does chickenpox spread?
    • What are chickenpox symptoms and signs?
    • What are treatment options for chickenpox?
    • What are the possible complications of chickenpox?
    • Can chickenpox be prevented with a vaccine?
    • Chickenpox At A Glance
  • Flu (Influenza) Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Flu (Influenza) Article
    • Flu (influenza, conventional, and H1N1) facts
    • What is influenza?
    • What are the causes of the flu?
    • What are flu symptoms in adults and in children?
    • How is the flu diagnosed?
    • What is the key to flu prevention?
    • Are there any flu shot or nasal spray vaccine side effects in adults or in children?
    • Why should the influenza vaccine be taken every year?
    • What are some treatments an individual can do at home for the flu?
    • When should a person go to the emergency department for the flu?
    • Who should receive the flu vaccine, and who has the highest risk factors? When should someone get the flu shot?
    • What is the prognosis (outlook) and complications for patients who get the flu?
    • What is the bird (avian) flu?
    • Do antiviral agents protect people from the flu?
    • Is it safe to get a flu shot that contains thimerosal?
    • Where can I find additional information about the flu?
  • Genital Warts (HPV) Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted...learn more »
    In This Article
    Genital Warts (HPV) Article
    • Genital warts (HPV) facts
    • What are human papillomaviruses (HPVs)?
    • How common is HPV infection?
    • What are the symptoms of genital warts?
    • How is HPV infection diagnosed?
    • Is there a DNA test for types of HPV infection?
    • How are genital warts diagnosed?
    • How is infection with HPV treated?
    • External genital warts
    • Precancerous changes (dysplasia) of the uterine cervix
    • Can HPV infection be prevented?
    • What should one do if exposed to a person with genital warts?
  • Hepatitis A and B Immunizations Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are the two most commnon viruses that infect the liver. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be prevented...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis A and B Immunizations Article
    • Introduction to hepatitis
    • Hepatitis A
    • Hepatitis B
  • Meningitis Encephalitis is a brain inflammation that causes sudden fever, vomiting, headache, light sensitivity, stiff neck and back,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Meningitis Article
    • Encephalitis & meningitis facts
    • What is encephalitis?
    • What are encephalitis symptoms and signs?
    • What is meningitis?
    • What are meningitis symptoms and signs?
    • What is encephalomyelitis?
    • How are encephalitis and meningitis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment of encephalitis and meningitis?
    • What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with encephalitis or meningitis?
    • Is meningitis contagious?
    • Can meningitis be prevented?
  • Pneumonia Pneumonia is inflammation of one or both lungs with consolidation. Pneumonia is frequently but not always due to infection. The...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pneumonia Article
    • Pneumonia facts
    • What is pneumonia?
    • How do people "catch pneumonia"?
    • What are pneumonia symptoms and signs?
    • How is pneumonia diagnosed?
    • What are some of the organisms that cause pneumonia? What is the treatment for pneumonia? Can pneumonia be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis of pneumonia?
  • Shingles Shingles (herpes zoster) is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Under certain circumstances, such as...learn more »
    In This Article
    Shingles Article
    • Shingles facts
    • What is shingles? What causes shingles?
    • What are shingles symptoms and signs? How long does shingles last?
    • How long is shingles contagious?
    • How is shingles diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for shingles? Should I visit my health care professional?
    • What are the complications of shingles?
    • What is postherpetic neuralgia?
    • Can shingles be prevented with a vaccine?
    • Is shingles dangerous in pregnant women?
  • Travel Medicine Travelers should prepare for their trip by visiting their physician to get the proper vaccinations and obtain the necessary...learn more »
    In This Article
    Travel Medicine Article
    • Why should travelers see a physician before they leave on a trip?
    • What diseases occur in travelers, and how can disease be prevented?
    • Traveler's diarrhea
    • Malaria
    • Meningococcal meningitis
    • Yellow fever
    • Hepatitis A
    • Typhoid fever
    • Polio
    • Cholera
    • What about diseases for which there is no vaccine or preventive medication?
    • What is safe to eat and drink while traveling?
    • What can I do to avoid insect bites?
    • What should be in my travel first aid kit?
    • What are the medical concerns with jet lag?
    • What if I have a medical condition or chronic disease?
    • What if I'm pregnant?
    • What about traveling with children?
    • Where can I find additional information?
  • German Measles (Rubella) German measles is a disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include rash and fever for two to three days. The MMR (measles,...learn more »
    In This Article
    German Measles (Rubella) Article
    • What is rubella (German measles)?
    • What are the symptoms of rubella?
    • What are the complications of rubella?
    • How is rubella spread from person to person?
    • What is the rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine)?
  • Mumps Mumps is an acute viral illness caused by the mumps virus. Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Mumps Article
    • Mumps facts
    • What is mumps?
    • What is the history of mumps?
    • What causes mumps? How is mumps transmitted?
    • What are risk factors for contracting mumps?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of mumps in children and adults?
    • How is mumps diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for mumps in adults and in children?
    • What are complications of mumps?
    • Can mumps be prevented? Is there a vaccine for mumps?
    • What is the prognosis of a mumps infection?
    • Where can people find more information on mumps?
  • Teens Teenagers recognize that they are developmentally between child and adult. Teen health prevention includes maintaining a healthy...learn more »
    In This Article
    Teens Article
    • What's involved with teen disease prevention?
    • What can teens expect during health checkups?
    • What immunizations do teenagers need?
  • Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Whooping cough (pertussis) is highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. There...learn more »
    In This Article
    Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Article
    • Whooping cough (pertussis) facts
    • What is whooping cough? What is the history of whooping cough?
    • What causes whooping cough?
    • What are risk factors for whooping cough?
    • Can whooping cough be prevented with a vaccine?
    • What are whooping cough symptoms, signs, and stages?
    • How is whooping cough transmitted?
    • Can adults get whooping cough?
    • How is whooping cough diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for whooping cough?
    • What is the prognosis for whooping cough?
    • What are possible complications of whooping cough?
    • Where can people find more information about whooping cough (pertussis)?
  • Meningococcemia Meningococcemia is a bloodstream infection caused by Neisseria meningitides. Meningococcemia symptoms include fever, headache,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Meningococcemia Article
    • Meningococcemia facts
    • What is meningococcemia?
    • What causes meningococcemia?
    • What are risk factors for meningococcemia?
    • What are symptoms and signs of meningococcemia?
    • How is meningococcemia diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for meningococcemia?
    • What is the prognosis of meningococcemia?
    • Can meningococcemia be prevented?
    • Where can people find more information on meningococcemia?
    • What research is being done on meningococcemia?
  • Measles Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny...learn more »
    In This Article
    Measles Article
    • What is measles?
    • What is rubeola?
    • What is rubella?
    • What are other names for measles?
    • What is the history of measles?
    • What causes measles?
    • How is measles spread?
    • How does one become immune to measles?
    • Who is at risk for getting measles?
    • Are measles deadly?
    • What is the danger of getting measles while pregnant?
    • If I am exposed, how long does it take to develop symptoms?
    • What are measles symptoms and signs?
    • What are the complications seen with measles?
    • What is atypical measles?
    • What is modified measles?
    • How is the diagnosis of measles made?
    • If it is not measles, what else could it be?
    • What should I do if I have been exposed to measles?
    • Is there any treatment for measles after symptoms and signs develop?
    • If measles only rarely occurs in the United States, why should I get vaccinated?
    • What is the prognosis for measles?
    • How can I prevent contracting measles?
    • Is there any truth to the fear of getting autism from vaccines?
    • Who should not receive measles vaccinations?
    • If a child has an egg allergy, can they still receive the measles vaccine?
    • What adverse reactions can occur to the measles vaccination?
    • Who should be revaccinated?
    • Where can I find more information about measles?
    • Measles At A Glance
  • Rabies Rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection. Rabies symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and can progress to more serious...learn more »
    In This Article
    Rabies Article
    • Rabies facts
    • What is rabies?
    • What are rabies symptoms and signs in humans?
    • What is the history of rabies, and what is the cause of rabies?
    • How is rabies transmitted?
    • How soon after an exposure should a person seek medical attention?
    • How is a rabies infection diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for rabies in humans?
    • Should people get a preexposure vaccination before traveling outside the U.S.?
    • Can rabies be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for people with rabies?
  • Tetanus Tetanus is an often-fatal disease caused by nerve toxins produced by the common bacteria Clostridium tetani. In a seven-day...learn more »
    In This Article
    Tetanus Article
    • Tetanus facts
    • What is tetanus?
    • Where do tetanus bacteria grow in the body?
    • How does the tetanus toxin cause damage to the body?
    • What is the incubation period for tetanus?
    • What is the course of the tetanus disease? What are the symptoms and signs of tetanus?
    • What is the treatment for tetanus?
    • How is tetanus prevented?
    • What is the schedule for active immunization ("tetanus shots")?
    • What are the side effects of tetanus immunization?
    • What is passive immunization (by way of specialized immunoglobulin)?
  • Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC) Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC) Article
    • Is it safe to use medicine while I am pregnant?
    • How should I decide whether to use a medicine while I am pregnant?
    • Where do doctors and nurses find out about using medicines during pregnancy?
    • How do prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine labels help my doctor choose the right medicine for me when I am pregnant?
    • What if I'm thinking about getting pregnant?
    • Is it safe to use medicine while I am trying to become pregnant?
    • What if I get sick and need to use medicine while I am pregnant?
    • I have a health problem. Should I stop using my medicine while I am pregnant?
    • Are vitamins safe for me while I am pregnant?
    • Are herbal remedies or natural products safe for me when I am pregnant?
    • In the future, will there be better ways to know if medicines are safe to use during pregnancy?
    • For more information
  • Hepatitis B The hepatitis B virus is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. The course of the virus is...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis B Article
    • What is hepatitis?
    • How is the hepatitis B virus spread (transmitted)?
    • What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis B infection?
    • What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis B infection?
    • How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
    • What is the role of a liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis B?
    • What is the natural course of chronic hepatitis B?
    • What medications are used to treat hepatitis B?
    • What are the effects of alcohol on hepatitis B?
    • What are the effects of immunosuppressive medications on hepatitis B?
    • What is delta hepatitis?
    • What about co-infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus?
    • What happens in co-infection with hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus?
    • What is the role of liver transplantation in hepatitis B?
    • What can be done to prevent hepatitis B?
    • What is new in the treatment of hepatitis B?
    • Hepatitis B At A Glance
  • Children's Health Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Children's Health Article
    • Introduction
    • Children's growth and development
    • Children's illnesses
    • Children's injuries
    • Children's behavior
    • Children's mental illness
    • Family health and children
    • Community health and children
    • Health care for children
  • Diphtheria Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. The disease is transmitted via contact...learn more »
    In This Article
    Diphtheria Article
    • What is diphtheria?
    • What is the history of diphtheria?
    • What causes diphtheria?
    • How is diphtheria transmitted?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of diphtheria?
    • How is diphtheria diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for diphtheria?
    • What are the complications of diphtheria?
    • How is diphtheria prevented?
    • Diphtheria At A Glance
  • Mercury Poisoning Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in water, soil, and the air. Mercury is also contained in some fish, some of the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Mercury Poisoning Article
    • Mercury introduction
    • General information about mercury and mercury exposure
    • What are the health effects and symptoms of mercury exposure or poisoning?
    • What about mercury in batteries?
    • What about mercury in dental amalgam?
    • What about mercury in fish?
    • What about mercury in fluorescent light bulbs?
    • What about thimerosal in vaccines?
    • What about mercury in thermometers for fever?
    • What about mercury in recycling and waste disposal?
    • How are mercury spills cleaned up?
    • What are more mercury-containing products?
    • How can I find out about mercury exposure where I live?
    • Related mercury poisoning article:
      Mercury Poisoning - on eMedicineHealth
  • Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes of the lung become damaged. Inflammation from infection or other...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bronchiectasis Article
    • What is bronchiectasis?
    • What causes bronchiectasis?
    • What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?
    • When should you seek medical care for bronchiectasis?
    • How is bronchiectasis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for bronchiectasis?
    • What are the complications of bronchiectasis?
    • What is the prognosis for bronchiectasis?
    • Bronchiectasis At A Glance
  • Hepatitis A Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is one type of liver disease caused by a virus. Since hepatitis A is a...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis A Article
    • What is hepatitis A?
    • What is the liver?
    • What causes hepatitis A?
    • Who gets hepatitis A?
    • How could I get hepatitis A?
    • What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
    • How is hepatitis A diagnosed?
    • How is hepatitis A treated?
    • How can I avoid getting hepatitis A?
    • What should I do if I think I have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus?
    • Hepatitis A At A Glance
    • Hope through Research
    • For More Information
    • Acknowledgments