Silent Threat: Pneumococcal Disease Poses Serious Risk to Seniors
Berlin - A common bacterium, often contracted from everyday interactions with children, presents a significant and underestimated health risk for seniors: Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus. This pathogen is a leading cause of serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections (sepsis), and can rapidly weaken older adults, leading to hospitalization and even death.
While often overlooked, pneumococcal disease is a major concern for those 60 and over. The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) actively recommends pneumococcal vaccination for this age group, recognizing its potential to prevent severe illness. Pneumococci are the most frequent bacterial cause of pneumonia, a condition that disproportionately impacts the elderly and compromises overall health. A one-time vaccination is covered by German health insurance as a standard preventative measure and can conveniently be administered alongside a seasonal flu shot by a family physician.
Pneumococcal infections can trigger sepsis, a life-threatening condition arising when the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control. Seniors are especially vulnerable due to age-related weakening of the immune system. The bacteria are frequently carried harmlessly by children, who then unknowingly transmit them to older family members through close contact.
The vaccination offers a crucial layer of protection, bolstering the immune system and reducing the risk of contracting and becoming severely ill from pneumococcal disease.
© Pfizer-Pharma-GmbH – Seniors often become infected with pneumococcus from children – a vaccination prevents this.
