PREVENTING LIFE-THREATENING infections

Fighting infection

People with sickle cell disease have a harder time fighting viruses and bacteria because their spleen (which acts as a filter for bacteria) does not work normally. This risk is highest in young children, followed by adolescents and adults.

Infections are the most common cause of death in people with sickle cell disease. The risk of infection is high because the spleen (which acts as a filter for bacteria) does not work normally in people with sickle cell disease. This risk is highest in young children. Adolescents and adults are also at a higher risk compared to people without sickle cell disease (see the Fever and Infections section for more information).

There are two ways you can fight infection:

 
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penicillin

 
 
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vaccines

 

What is penicillin?

Penicillin is a type of medicine called an antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia.

  • If you are allergic to penicillin, a similar antibiotic may be given.

  • Let your provider know if you have had an infection caused by bacteria or have had your spleen removed.

Why is penicillin recommended for people with sickle cell disease?

  • Infections are the most common cause of death in people with sickle cell disease. Penicillin can help prevent life-threatening infections and pneumonia.

IMMUNIZATIONS

  • People with sickle cell disease have a harder time fighting viruses and bacteria than people without sickle cell disease because the spleen (which acts as a filter for bacteria) does not work normally or has been removed.

  • Vaccines help boost your immune system to protect you against dangerous diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.

What immunizations should you have?

🄯 All regular childhood vaccines

🄯 Streptococcus Pneumonia (strep).

 

STREP CAN CAUSE:

  1. Pneumonia (infection in the lung)

  2. Meningitis (infection in the brain)

  3. Sepsis (severe infection in the blood)

 
 
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Infection prevention checklist

For you and your health care provider

Penicillin:

🄯 Talk with your health care provider about taking penicillin (or similar antibiotic), especially if you have had an infection caused by bacteria or have had your spleen removed.

Immunizations: Talk with your health care provider to keep your immunizations up-to-date:

 
 

🄯 All regular childhood vaccines

🄯 Streptococcus pneumonia (strep): PCV 13

🄯 Streptococcus pneumonia (strep): PPSV 23

🄯 Meningitis: MenACWY

🄯 Meningitis: MenB

🄯 Flu shot (this year)

 
 
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SECTION OVERVIEW

 
 

  • Penicillin can help prevent life- threatening bacterial infections and pneumonia.

  • Immunizations can prevent serious illnesses like strep, meningitis, and flu.

  • Keep your immunizations up-to-date.