Saturday, August 21, 2010

If someone becomes very ill with pneumococcus pneumoniae, but recovers, would this confer a lifetime immunity?

I believe that there are dozens of serotypes of pneumococcus. Thus, getting infected with one might only confer immunity to one specific subtype. The pneumonia vaccine, on the other hand, provides coverage for 20 or so of the most common serotypes. If you're in a high-risk group (your immune system is compromised or you are elderly), a yearly vaccine would be a good idea.If someone becomes very ill with pneumococcus pneumoniae, but recovers, would this confer a lifetime immunity?
There should be enough antibodies to protect you against reinfection, I am not sure if for a lifetime. If you are at risk, it is better to take a vaccine.

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