Pneumococci, or Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, are one of the main causes of respiratory infections such as pneumonia, sinusitis and meningitis. Although they can infect people of all ages, there are specific risk groups that are at higher risk of severe disease courses and complications. Invasive pneumococcal disease is called grandparents' disease and grandchildren's disease because it is particularly dangerous in these age groups. Mass vaccination of children worldwide has shown that it also has a positive effect on the health of the older generation, because vaccinated children no longer infect their grandparents.
Why pneumococci are dangerous for children
Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to pneumococcal infections for several reasons. Young children's immune systems are not yet fully developed, which makes them more susceptible to infection and their bodies have a harder time dealing with the bacteria. Another risk factor is the places where children frequent, such as kindergartens and nurseries, where the accumulation of people makes it easier to spread the bacteria.
So how do you protect them? The most important thing is regular vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccination is part of the vaccination calendar in many countries and helps to significantly reduce the risk of disease. They protect against many pneumococcal serotypes that can cause serious, often even fatal diseases
Teaching children basic hygiene rules, such as washing their hands frequently, avoiding touching their faces and covering their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing, also helps to reduce the risk of infection. Parents and caregivers should keep toys and surfaces that children come into contact with clean. It is also important that children avoid close contact with sick people.
In addition to hygiene, it is also important to take care of general fitness. A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular physical activity and enough sleep strengthen children's immune systems, helping them to cope better with infections.
Persons over 65 years of age
As we age, the immune system weakens and becomes less effective in fighting infections. Older people often suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease. These conditions weaken the body and increase the risk of complications from pneumococcal infection. This age group also sees more frequent hospital admissions, and being in hospital increases the risk of exposure to the bacteria.
People over 65 years of age should receive regular pneumococcal vaccination to reduce the risk of serious infections and diseases such as pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. In many countries, vaccination is even mandatory for seniors.
Regular visits to the doctor and monitoring of the condition can help in the early detection and treatment of chronic diseases, which reduces the risk of complications from pneumococcal infection. Treating respiratory infections at an early stage can prevent them from developing into more serious conditions.
As with children, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Where possible, try to get regular physical activity. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption also has a positive effect on respiratory health.
Weakened immune system
People with weakened immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS patients, organ transplant patients or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, are particularly vulnerable to pneumococcal infections. These bacteria can easily cause serious infections because the body is unable to defend itself effectively against them. Pneumococcal infections in this group often have a more severe course, can lead to sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia, and have a higher mortality rate.
To protect themselves from infection, people with weakened immune systems should be regularly vaccinated against pneumococci. It is also important that they follow the hygiene rules already described. Regular check-ups with the doctor and monitoring of health can help in the early detection and treatment of infections and other diseases.
Immunisation is the most effective way to prevent pneumococcal infections. They are recommended for everyone, but especially for people in high-risk groups, namely children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Limiting contact with sick people and avoiding crowded places during the flu season are additional steps that each of us can take to reduce the risk of infection.