Silent Threat to Seniors: Pneumococcal Disease Often Overlooked, Despite Pneumonia Link
Berlin – A common bacterium, often contracted from everyday interactions with children, poses a important and underestimated health risk to seniors: Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus. This pathogen is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, a condition that severely weakens the body and can be life-threatening for older adults.
While often dismissed as a childhood illness, pneumococcal disease disproportionately impacts those 60 and over, making them particularly vulnerable to serious complications like pneumonia, bloodstream infections (sepsis), and meningitis. The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) actively recommends pneumococcal vaccination for this age group as a crucial preventative measure. A one-time vaccination is covered by German health insurance as a standard benefit and can conveniently be administered alongside a seasonal flu shot by a family physician.
Pneumococci are frequently carried harmlessly in the noses and throats of children. Seniors, due to naturally weakening immune systems, are more susceptible to infection when exposed to thes carriers – frequently enough their own grandchildren. The bacteria can then trigger pneumonia,a severe lung infection,or spread to the bloodstream,causing sepsis,a perhaps fatal condition.
The STIKO’s recommendation underscores the importance of proactive health management for seniors. The pneumococcal vaccine helps the body build immunity, considerably reducing the risk of contracting the disease and its potentially devastating consequences.
© Pfizer-Pharma-GmbH – Seniors are often infected with pneumococcus from children; vaccination offers protection.
