How to avoid pneumococcal infection in a newborn?

Question

Hello doctor,

My three-year-old daughter has just been diagnosed with a pneumococcal infection, and I am really scared because we have a newborn at home. The doctor prescribed some medicine for my daughter, but I am not sure how to protect my other child from this infection. We live in a small two-room apartment, and social distancing is almost impossible.

How contagious is this infection?
Can it spread to my baby?
What precautions should we take to keep my family safe? Please help me understand what steps I should follow.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I am so sorry to hear about your little girl's diagnosis. Pneumococcal infections can indeed be contagious, primarily through respiratory droplets, close contact, or contaminated surfaces. It is understandable to be very concerned, especially with a newborn at home, as infants are more vulnerable to infections due to their still-developing immune systems. Here is what you can do to protect your family:

Precautions to protect your newborn-

Minimize contact:

Try to keep your newborn in a separate room, if possible, away from your sick child. If this is not feasible due to space, use physical barriers like placing the crib far from shared spaces.

Hygiene measures:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching your sick child, their belongings, or cleaning up their secretions.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available.
Teach your older child to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow and dispose of tissues immediately.

Masks and cleanliness:

You and other family members, especially if caring for both children, should wear a mask while around the sick child.
Clean frequently-touched surfaces, like doorknobs, toys, and feeding utensils, using a disinfectant.

Breastfeeding (if applicable):

If you are breastfeeding your newborn, continue doing so. Breast milk provides essential antibodies that can help protect your baby from infections.

Vaccination for your newborn:

Ensure your newborn is up-to-date on their pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13), as this is highly effective in preventing severe disease. Speak to your doctor if your newborn has not started or completed their vaccine schedule.

Care for your three-year-old:

Complete the prescribed treatment: Ensure your older child completes the full course of medication prescribed by the doctor. This is critical to reduce the risk of complications and prevent the bacteria.
Monitor symptoms: Watch for any worsening symptoms in your older child, such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or unusual lethargy. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Signs of infection in your newborn: Keep a close watch for the following signs in your baby-

Fever.
Difficulty feeding.
Unusual fussiness or lethargy.
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
Pale or bluish skin color.
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Additional tips:

Limit visitors: Avoid having guests over during this time to minimize exposure.
Dedicated caregiver: If possible, assign one caregiver to handle the sick child and another to care for the newborn to reduce cross-exposure.

When to seek medical advice

Call your doctor if:

You are concerned that your newborn is showing signs of infection.
Your older child’s symptoms worsen or do not improve after starting antibiotics.

I know this is a stressful time, but with careful precautions, the risk of spreading the infection can be minimized. If you need additional guidance or reassurance, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor or local health department. You are doing the best you can for your family.

I hope I have answered your query.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.