Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal is a bacterial infection that can cause severe complications, such as meningitis, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and bone or joint infections, spreading through respiratory droplets and requiring antibiotics for treatment.

• Who is Affected?
  • 145 per 100,000 children under age 2 develop invasive disease.
  • 72 per 100,000 children under age 5 are affected.
  • 5-7% of infected children will die of the disease.
• Severe Infections Include:
  • Meningitis – infection of the brain
  • Pneumonia – infection of the lungs
  • Bloodstream infections
  • Bone/joint infections
• Other Common Infections:
  • Ear infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Cellulitis – infection in the eyeball
  • Pink eye
• How It Spreads:
  • Respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing).
  • 75% of young children and 25% of teens carry the bacteria without symptoms.
• Symptoms Onset: 1-3 days after exposure.
• Treatment:
  • Antibiotics
  • Hospitalization may be needed for severe cases, including airway support or joint fluid drainage.
• Vaccination is the best protection against pneumococcal disease.

The Pneumococcal Vaccines remain the best protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. Stay protected. Stay informed.

Here is a video that goes into more detail about Pneumococcal disease.