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Influenza Influenza, or flu, is the viral infection of the respiratory system that is caused by many different types of viruses. The symptoms of the disease are headache, chilling sensation, cough, sore throat, and body ache. The disease can be deadly for newborn babies, elderly people, and people with a weak immune system. Anthrax Anthrax is an infectious airborne disease caused by bacteria. The spores of the bacteria are present in the air and enter the body when inhaled or via open cuts or sores. The anthrax bacteria can also infect human beings through contact with the skin and hairs of animals such as sheep and goats. The bacterial infection usually leads to skin and lung diseases. Anthrax can be treated by the use of antibiotics and can be prevented by vaccination.

Find out more about measles.

SIDEBAR: DID YOU KNOW?

• During World War I, a large number of soldiers were hospitalized due to mumps. • About three million people in the United States got chicken pox every year before its vaccine was invented.

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