Pneumonia is one of the most common diseases leading to hospitalisation in adults, especially in those over 65 years of age. In this age group, pneumonia is the fourth most common cause of death. The main culprits of these infections are bacteria - pneumococci, which are responsible for the highest mortality rate among bacterial infections. They are transmitted by the droplet route and by direct contact with a carrier, similar to the influenza virus. Protecting against these dangerous pathogens is now easier than ever, and one vaccination can save a life. Immunization - for seniors over 65 with chronic diseases - is completely free.
What are pneumococci?
Pneumococci, or Streptococcus pneumoniae, are a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that are a major cause of many serious infectious diseases in humans. Pneumococci can colonise the nasopharynx without causing symptoms, but under favourable conditions can penetrate to other parts of the body, causing infection. There are up to 90 types of pneumococci, differing in their envelope structure, which largely determines their ability to cause disease and their resistance to vaccines.
Pneumococci are responsible for a wide range of infections. They can cause both mild and very severe diseases, especially in immunocompromised people, young children and the elderly. The ability of pneumococci to spread rapidly and cause serious infections makes them particularly dangerous.
Of concern is the increasing antibiotic resistance of pneumococci, which adds to the challenge of treating infections caused by them. Antibiotic resistance makes treatment more difficult and less effective. The importance of prevention, including vaccination, which is the most effective tool in preventing pneumococcal infections, is therefore increasing.
Pneumococcal diseases
Pneumococci are responsible for many serious diseases that can affect people of all ages, although young children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are most at risk. The most common diseases caused by pneumococci include:
- Pneumonia: Pneumococcal pneumonia presents with fever, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. In severe cases, it can lead to serious complications such as respiratory failure and require hospitalisation.
- Meningitis: This is a very serious disease that can result in permanent neurological damage and even death. Symptoms include severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, nausea and vomiting.
- Sepsis (sepsis): Sepsis is a severe, life-threatening reaction of the body to an infection that can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Symptoms include high fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and confusion.
- Otitis media: Pneumococcus is one of the main causes of otitis media, especially in young children. Possible symptoms include ear pain, fever, hearing problems and ear discharge.
- Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD): IChP includes severe infections such as pneumonia with bacteraemia, meningitis and sepsis, as described above. It is characterised by a high mortality rate and risk of long-term complications, especially in high-risk individuals.
Knowledge of pneumococcal diseases is extremely important for effective prevention and treatment. Immunization is the most effective way to prevent these dangerous infections.
How does pneumococcal infection occur?
Pneumococcal infection occurs mainly through contact with an infected person or an asymptomatic carrier. The bacteria can colonise the nasopharynx, or upper throat, without causing symptoms. Infection can occur in several ways.
Pneumococci are spread primarily by the droplet route. Coughing, sneezing or even speaking by an infected person causes tiny droplets of saliva or mucus containing bacteria to be released into the air. Inhalation of these droplets by a healthy person can result in infection.
Direct contact with an infected person, such as through kissing, can also lead to transmission of the bacteria. Children who often play together and have close physical contact are particularly vulnerable to this type of infection.
Equally dangerous is contact with infected surfaces. Pneumococci can survive on the surfaces of toys, doorknobs or crockery from a few hours up to several weeks. Touching an infected surface and then touching the nose, mouth or eyes can transmit the bacteria into the body.
Once in the nasopharynx, pneumococci can remain asymptomatic or move to other parts of the body, causing various infections. Under favourable conditions, such as a weakened immune system, the bacteria can penetrate the lungs, bloodstream or meninges, leading to serious diseases.
Who is most at risk of pneumococcal infection?
Primarily children under 5 years of age and older people over 65 years of age. Children's immune systems are not yet fully developed, making them more susceptible to infection. In older people, on the other hand, the immune system is often weakened due to ageing and co-morbidities.
People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, kidney disease and people with weakened immune systems, e.g. due to HIV/AIDS, immunosuppressive therapy or after organ transplants, are also at high risk. Pneumococcal infections in these people can be more severe and lead to serious complications.
Prevention and treatment of pneumococcal infections
The most effective way to prevent pneumococcal infections is vaccination. Vaccines are available that protect against many pneumococcal serotypes. Vaccination is particularly recommended for children, the elderly and people in high-risk groups.
Since 1 September last year, people over 65 years of age can benefit from free pneumococcal vaccination. With just one visit to the doctor, patients can be vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus at the same time. Importantly, the pneumococcal vaccination does not have to be repeated every year, which is convenient for patients.
Prevention also means maintaining basic hygiene, i.e. frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who show signs of infection. It is worth remembering to adequately ventilate rooms and avoid crowded areas, as well as regularly disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs and touchscreens.
Treatment of pneumococcal infections usually includes antibiotic therapy. However, due to the increasing resistance of the bacteria to antibiotics, it is extremely important to follow the doctor's instructions and fully complete the treatment period. Inappropriate or premature discontinuation of treatment can lead to the development of more resistant forms of bacteria, complicating subsequent treatment attempts.
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Pneumonia is a serious risk for people over 65 and chronically ill!
Did you know that it is possible to protect yourself effectively against them?
🌡️ This season, people over 65 and those with chronic illnesses can again benefit from free pneumococcal and flu vaccinations. Best of all, both vaccines can be received in one visit!
Take care of your health and that of your loved ones. Ask your doctor about immunizations and protect yourself against influenza and pneumococcus in one visit! 💉
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