Septicemia

Prevention:

Appropriate treatment of localized infections can prevent septicemia. HIB vaccine for children has already reduced the incidence of Hemophilus septicemia (and Hemophilus meningitis, epiglottitis, and periorbital cellulitis) and is a routine part of the recommended childhood immunization schedule. Children who have had their spleen removed or who have diseases that damage the spleen (such as sickle cell anemia) should receive pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal vaccine is not part of the routine childhood immunization schedule.

Close contacts (parents, siblings, friends) of septic children with certain organisms such as pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Hemophilus may require preventive antibiotic therapy. This will be prescribed by the health care provider and the type of antibiotic will be determined by the organism involved.