Infection with the pneumococcal bacteria does not necessarily lead to symptoms of the disease. But when it comes to that, it can be deadly. Experts therefore strongly recommend vaccination.
They colonize the nasopharynx and are transmitted through droplet infections (e.g. through coughing or sneezing). Even healthy people who carry the bacterium can become carriers.
It is not known why the bacterium causes disease in some people and not in others.
Heavy gradients
An invasive pneumococcal infection can be noisy gesundheit.gv.at result in meningitis or blood poisoning. One speaks of invasive if the pathogen enters the bloodstream or the cerebrospinal fluid, for example.
Especially children under five years of age, older people, smokers and people with chronic pre-existing conditions such as lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the respiratory organs or metabolic diseases often have a bad course. The same applies to people with a weakened immune system.
Vaccination is a lot more important this year than in recent years, doctors say Standard opposite to. The fact that the strict hygiene and distance measures have been relaxed also increases the risk of infection with pneumococcal bacteria. Even those who have already had a COVID disease are more at risk.
90 percent less risk
Vaccination greatly reduces the risk of such a course. Therefore recommends the STIKO one vaccination with a booster every six years. The vaccine is also compatible with COVID or influenza protection.
Although there are more than 90 known strains of bacteria, there are far fewer that can be dangerous for us. Different vaccines cover different numbers of types. There are also other active ingredients in children. Simply let the medical staff you trust advise you.
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