Porter Hospital Blog

Do family get-togethers send home more than just presents with older adults? According to a study referenced in the most recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, older adults, and particularly women, show seasonal increases in pneumococcal disease that coincide with the holidays. As discussed on Dec. 30 on The Denver Channel 7- what does this article mean for each of us and how we can prevent spreading illnesses while attending annual family get-togethers?

First of all, let’s look into the article in the New England Journal of Medicine

The authors of this study looked at rates of infections with pneumococcus – a common bacteria in children that can cause pneumonia, sinus infections and other respiratory illnesses – before and after the routine use of pneumococcal vaccine in children. The study showed that before the vaccine was introduced, there was a sudden spike in pneumococcal infections in adults 50 and over during the holiday season that does not occur any other time of year. In fact there was a 42% increase in the risk of adults getting pneumococcal disease. The strains of the bacteria that were increased are the types most commonly seen in children. Since the introduction of the vaccine, the authors could not find a spike in disease.
Also of interest, the study found that women were much more likely to get the bacteria than men.
The spike is not correlated with the influenza season, or with other common bacteria, so it is believed to be related to the increased contact more mature adults have with children during holiday gatherings during this season.

How concerned should we be about the findings of this new study?
We have  known for years that being in close spaces with those who are ill increases our chances of getting ill ourselves.
This study dramatically shows that when we vaccinate our children, we are not only protecting them – but also the older adults in the family who, this shows, catch illnesses from being around children. Adults with medical illnesses and those who are over 65 should also be getting the pneumovax.
This study also reinforces the idea that even at holiday gatherings – which we all look forward to – we need to be sure to follow good hygiene and stay away when we, or our children, are actively sick.

What can our we do to prevent pneumococcal disease?

1) Children should get pneumococcal vaccine as recommended by their physicians – to protect them and to protect our relatives who are older than 65.
2) Keep children who are sick away from those relatives over 65 when possible
3) Good cough and sneeze etiquette – into a tissue or elbow
4) Get enough rest, good nutrition and drink a lot of water
5) As always – good, frequent handwashing is essential

It’s always a good idea to follow good hygiene and stay home when sick.

What other illnesses are going around this time of year, are there other things we can do to stay well during the winter?

The seasonal flu normally starts sometime in January or February. It’s not too late to get a flu shot and give your family additional protection.
Other respiratory viruses that cause colds, bronchitis and sinus problems are also common this time of year. The close contact we have as we spend more time inside in closed homes helps transmit these from one of us to the other. Remembering to clean door handles, faucets, and even toys more often can help decrease spread of viruses and bacteria.

Good Health!  Dr. Dianne

For more information on this subject, you may want to look at these sites:

CDC

Porter Hospital Health Library

Good Health and Happy New Year!

Dr. Dianne