With the onset of heat, I want to take a break from a noisy city in nature: in a pond or in a forest. Children will breathe ozone, run around and frolic on the grass. What can ruin this vacation? Such a reason exists - it is an encephalitis tick. His bite will not only spoil the positive impression of a walk in nature, but can also affect human health in the future.
What is tick-borne encephalitis?
This is a viral infection that is most often caused by infected ticks. Another less common source of infection is unpasteurized milk, most often from goats. Infected people experience symptoms similar to those of the flu. This period can last about a week. The disease can develop before inflammation of the brain and damage to the central nervous system of a person. There is a risk of meningitis - inflammation of the tissues around the brain. This causes migraines, fever, agitation, confusion, vomiting, etc. An advanced disease can lead to a coma or even death.
What can be done to protect yourself from infection? There is only one answer to this question - this is a vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis. Side effects, contraindications and the benefits of this vaccination will be the main topic of the article.
Vaccination schedule
How is tick-borne encephalitis vaccine given? This vaccination involves three periods. The first vaccine dose is injected subcutaneously in the forearm. After a certain time, from 1 to 3 months, re-vaccination is necessary. If human immunity requires a more rapid reaction, then the second vaccination can be done two weeks after the first. The third vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis (side effects in children - temperature and signs of a cold) is given six months / a year after the second. Ideally, vaccination against viral encephalitis should be completed about a month before the intended trip to the infected area. Why are three vaccinations required? In order for the body to develop the necessary number of antibodies for the formation of immunity.
Every few years it is necessary to introduce additional doses, especially if a person is in dangerous areas where there is a risk of contracting this terrible disease. Vaccination schedules may vary between manufacturers.
Varieties of tick-borne encephalitis viruses
This small, almost imperceptible insect can cause irreparable damage to the health of both an adult and a child. There are three tick-borne encephalitis viruses:
- Western European It is found in Central and Western Europe, especially often in forests and mountain ranges.
- Far Eastern. This virus is observed mainly in some countries of East Asia and in Russia, especially in the forests of China and Japan.
- Siberian. The name of the virus speaks for itself: its greatest distribution is recorded in Siberia.
All residents of these areas are recommended vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Side effects, reviews of which are different, of course, exist, as with any other vaccination.
How can a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine help?
Some time after the vaccination has been given, the human body begins to recognize the infection. He also begins to develop means to combat this dangerous infection. After the first injection of the vaccine into the human body, immunoglobulins are formed in the blood, which actively destroy foreign viruses that have entered the bloodstream. Despite the fact that the vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis has side effects, it protects against virus damage in 95% of cases.
Who needs vaccination?
As mentioned above, vaccination is necessary for people who are sent to work (geologists, field workers, etc.) in areas where an infected tick is supposed to live. When planning a trip to the forest region from spring to autumn, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is extremely necessary for adults and children . Side effects in people of different ages are slightly different from each other.
In addition, vaccination is necessary for those people whose work is related to materials that can be infected with a dangerous virus, for example, laboratory workers who come into direct contact with encephalitis ticks.
Vaccinations to prevent tick-borne encephalitis infection are:
- Children from the age of 1 year.
- Workers in agriculture and forestry.
- Donors from whom immunoglobulin is obtained.
In what situations is tick-borne encephalitis vaccine contraindicated?
For all the apparent benefits of vaccination, there is a rather large list of diseases in which vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, causing side effects in children and adults, is contraindicated. It:
- Tuberculosis.
- Epilepsy.
- Diabetes.
- Blood disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Various disorders in the endocrine system.
- Malignant tumors.
- Allergic reactions.
- Heart diseases.
- Rheumatism.
- Asthma and others
The above diseases are a contraindication only if a domestic vaccine is used. An imported tick-borne encephalitis vaccine may be chosen. For vaccination, it is necessary to meet a number of requirements:
- Age over 1 year.
- No reaction to protein.
- At the time of vaccination, there are no infectious diseases.
Side effects from vaccination
Side effects are similar when using domestic and imported vaccines. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations for children and adults are needed, but one must be prepared for the possibility of developing local and general complications.
Local manifestations after dosing:
- Some thickening, redness, and swelling at the puncture site.
- Allergic rash.
- A slight increase in lymph nodes.
After a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is given, side effects (temperature, for example) may well appear.
General phenomena:
- Pain in the muscles and joints.
- Headache.
- General malaise of the body.
- Impaired sleep and appetite.
A number of complications that are rare enough, but still occur, are:
- The occurrence of mental disorders.
- Visual impairment.
- Vomiting
Vaccination preparation
The main task of each of the parents is to properly prepare the child for vaccination. Moreover, mothers and fathers should already be informed about this vaccination and be sure of the correctness of their actions. Despite the fact that the vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis has side effects, it does not need to be afraid. Numerous studies prove that the drugs and vaccine against encephalitis, which are delivered by ticks, are absolutely safe and well tolerated. On the day of vaccination, you must visit the therapist. He gives permission for vaccination only after examination.
It is important to observe some conditions before administering a vaccine dose; there are several of them:
- At elevated body temperature in a child, vaccination is prohibited.
- The child should not be ill with infectious diseases.
To prevent side effects, as well as reduce their number, you need to adhere to some rules:
- Only a healthy person is vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis. Side effects in children (parental reviews indicate this) practically do not differ from reactions in adults. After two weeks after a complete cure, you can vaccinate with an imported drug. Domestic vaccine can be administered only a month after recovery.
- Use allergy medication a few days before and a few days after vaccination.
- It is necessary to take an antipyretic immediately after vaccination so that symptoms such as fever and aches in the joints and bones do not occur.
Ways to prevent tick bites and the spread of infection
There are several ways to protect against a tick bite that spreads a viral infection. Even if you have been vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis, the side effects of which have already been considered, when visiting places where you can pick up a tick, you must:
- Make sure that clothes tightly cover your hands, ankles and legs.
- Use various insect repellents, especially in open areas of the skin.
- If a tick is found, remove it as soon as possible from clothing or skin.
In order for your little insidious enemy, the encephalitis tick, not to meet on your way, you need to follow the above instructions. Read the patient reviews before vaccinating the child, then you will be ready for possible consequences.