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What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is a serious, invasive infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called Strep pneumo).  It can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and blood stream infection.  It can also cause non-invasive illnesses, like ear and sinus infections, which rarely lead to serious invasive infections.

How is it spread?

These bacteria are spread by direct contact with the saliva or respiratory droplets from the nose or mouth of a person who is infected or who is carrying the bacteria.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually start one to three days after exposure to the bacteria.  Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, ear pain, cough, chest pain, disorientation, shortness of breath, and occasionally stiff neck.

Who gets sick from this disease?

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but it occurs more frequently in young children, the elderly, or in people who have other health problems.

How is it treated?

Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective.  Some pneumococcal infections are resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

Is there a vaccine to prevent it?

Yes.  There are two vaccines for this disease – one mainly for adults and one for children under five years.  These vaccines cover the most common types of strep pneumo that cause illness.  Since there are many other types, it is possible to get this disease even though you may be vaccinated.

Who should be vaccinated?

• All children, along with their other routine infant vaccinations

• Anyone 65 years or older

• All residents of nursing homes, homes for the aged, chronic care wards, seniors’ homes and residences

• Anyone with certain medical conditions including:

▫         chronic respiratory disease

▫         chronic heart disease

▫         no spleen, dysfunctional spleen, sickle cell disease

▫         cirrhosis of the liver or alcoholism

▫         chronic cerebral spinal fluid leak

▫         organ transplant recipients

▫         diabetes

▫         chronic renal failure or

▫         kidney disease

▫         HIV infection

▫         suppressed immune system related to disease or therapy

▫         cochlear implant recipients

▫         smokers

If you have had a diagnosis of pneumococcal disease, talk to your doctor about being vaccinated to prevent future infections.

For more information, ask your health care worker or contact Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.