Prophylaxis
A comprehensive vaccination of children lowers the risk of contracting various inflammatory pathogens. For example, vaccination against pneumococcus, meningococcus and Haemophilus influenzae “serotype B” is possible. The latter vaccination has become strongly established in recent years.
When traveling to countries where the hygienic standard does not correspond to that in the local latitudes, one should also inform oneself about possible vaccinations at the family doctor. Nursing staff or family members who have come into contact with patients can be treated prophylactically with the antibiotic rifampicin. In the case of sexual contact, a condom should always be used as a preventive measure, since some of the pathogens can also enter or reach the body in this way. This probably plays the greatest role in HIV transmission.
