Health. Meningitis, pneumonia, ear infections... How to avoid pneumococcal infection?

Severe respiratory infections, meningitis, or even hospitalizations... Pneumococcus can have serious consequences, particularly in young children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems or those living with a chronic illness.

However, the majority of adults surveyed do not feel concerned: according to an IPSOS survey for Pfizer, 70% of people at risk and 86% of seniors believe they are not vulnerable to pneumococcus. This is a worrying gap between perception and reality, which calls for better information and discussion with your healthcare professional.

A common and sometimes virulent bacteria

The bacteria responsible for pneumococcal infections, Streptococcus Pneumoniae , can be present in many people asymptomatically, but can also cause very serious respiratory infections. Among the main pathologies linked to pneumococcus are: pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia, ear infections and sinusitis.

Pneumococcal infections affect all age groups, but are more common at the extremes of life (young children and the elderly). In the elderly, such infections often lead to hospitalization, sometimes in intensive care units, exposing patients to an increased risk of functional decline and lasting loss of autonomy.

It is estimated that two-thirds of patients hospitalized for bacteremic pneumonia – meningitis – septicemia (invasive pneumococcal infections) are aged 65 and over.

In short, beyond the immediate risk of infection, these infections permanently weaken elderly people and often compromise their functional independence.

The IPSOS survey for Pfizer reveals a real blind spot in prevention: the majority of people targeted by vaccination recommendations do not feel concerned. This denial of vulnerability, due to ignorance or trivialization of the risk, partly explains the low impact of prevention actions.

Prevention: simple actions, a powerful lever

Protecting your body against respiratory infections, particularly in winter or in enclosed spaces, begins with preventive measures accessible to all:

Vaccination when recommended
Frequent and thorough hand washing, especially after contact with sick people or in closed public places.
Daily ventilation of enclosed spaces, for at least 10 minutes, to limit the concentration of suspended pathogens.
Wearing a mask in case of respiratory symptoms or when visiting a vulnerable person.
Rigorous monitoring of chronic pathologies, in conjunction with healthcare professionals.

Your pharmacist and/or your doctor are your allies in benefiting from personalized advice adapted to your situation.