According to Dr. E. Pukenytė, Chief of Infectious Diseases at the Health Decisions Center “Antėja,” the primary function of the vaccine is to safeguard individuals against the severe complications associated with the illness.
Dr. Pukenytė emphasized that vaccination is crucial for protection against the serious outcomes that can follow an infection transmitted by a tick. Tick-borne encephalitis is known for potentially causing long-term neurological complications.
The disease can lead to inflammation of the brain, with severity ranging from mild to profound. The resulting symptoms can significantly affect bodily functions and cognitive abilities. Dr.
Pukenytė detailed the spectrum of potential impairments, noting that individuals may experience difficulties with sensations and movements, as well as various forms of paresis. Furthermore, the condition can cause a slowing of thinking and understanding. In the most severe instances, the infection may progress to coma or cerebral edema.
Such critical cases necessitate admission to intensive care units and are followed by lengthy recovery periods. Therefore, the administration of the vaccine is presented as a necessary preventative measure. It aims to mitigate the risk of these severe neurological complications that characterize tick-borne encephalitis, thereby protecting public health by reducing the incidence of debilitating long-term illness.
Topics: #vaccine #tick #borne
