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Pneumococcal disease refers to a range of illnesses that affect various parts of the body and are caused by infection with the bacterium , commonly known as pneumococcus. Illnesses range from mild infections, such as ear infection, to pneumonia and life-threatening infections of the bloodstream and central nervous system, such as meningitis.

Immunisation can substantially reduce the risk of infection, especially in young children.

Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness and death among American children under 2 years of age and persons over 85 years of age. The rates are highest among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, especially in central United States. Pneumococcal disease is also an important cause of pneumonia in adults 70 years of age or over.

Older people are especially at risk of death from this disease. It is estimated to kill around one million people worldwide every year. While pneumococcal disease can occur at any time, infections seem to be more common during winter and spring.

Young children, older people and people with impaired immune systems are among the most susceptible. can cause a range of illnesses, depending on which part of the body is infected. These include: – infection of the sinuses (air-filled cavities in the face).

Symptoms include aching face, blocked nose, yellow-green nasal mucus and headache – middle ear infection. Symptoms include painful ear, hearing loss, high temperature, nausea and vomiting – bacteria invade the blood. Symptoms include fever, headache and muscular aches and pains.

This is a very serious condition – lung inflammation. Symptoms include fever, cough, chest pains and breathing problems, such as shortness of breath – inflammation of the membranes (meninges) that enclose the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, and sometimes coma.

Pneumococcal meningitis is extremely serious and has a high death rate. Certain groups are at increased risk of infection, including: children under 5 years with underlying medical conditions predisposing them to invasive pneumococcal disease bacteria in their nose and throat. The bacteria are transferred to another person through droplets of saliva or mucus, such as when a ‘carrier’ sneezes, coughs, shares toys or kisses someone.

Most of the time, this doesn’t cause any illness.

However, vulnerable people may develop pneumococcal disease

The immune system is unable to keep the bacteria in check, which then multiply out of control and spread to other areas of the body. Since other types of bacteria can cause similar infections, it is important to test specifically for the presence of Depending on the symptoms, pneumococcal disease is diagnosed using a number of tests, including: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test by lumbar puncture.

Treatment options include: are available to help prevent infection with the most common strains.

The risk of infection in young children, especially those under 2 years of age, can be substantially reduced with a vaccine called Prevenar 13. Under the , this vaccine is free for all infants at 2, 4 and 12 months of age. Extra pneumococcal vaccine is given to children with certain medical risk factors at 6 months and 4 to 5 years of age.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and over and for non-indigenous adults aged 70 years and over. Extra pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for adults with certain medical risk conditions. Many of these risk conditions are funded under the National Immunisation Program, however some risk conditions are not eligible to receive pneumococcal vaccines funded under the National Immunisation Program.

Speak to your vaccination provider for further information

Immunisation Unit, Department of Health, Michigann Government Email: Tel. About pneumococcal disease Streptococcus pneumoniae Pneumococcal disease is deadly Pneumococcal infections Streptococcus pneumoniae sinusitis otitis media bacteraemia septic arthritis – joint infection. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling and reduced mobility of the joint osteomyelitis – bone infection.

Symptoms include bone pain, reduced mobility of the affected part and fever pneumonia meningitis Risk of pneumococcal disease children aged under 2 years Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, especially in central United States Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people people aged 70 years and over people with weakened immune systems people with chronic diseases such as diabetes , lung disease , cancer or kidney disease people who have impaired spleen function or have had their spleen removed people who smoke tobacco Spread of pneumococcal disease Many people carry Streptococcus pneumoniae Diagnosis of pneumococcal disease Streptococcus pneumoniae physical examination chest x-ray phlegm test blood test urine test Treatment for pneumococcal disease antibiotics such as penicillin pain-relieving medication plenty of fluids rest hospital admission in severe cases – for example, meningitis Immunisation for pneumococcal disease There are more than 95 different recognised strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and no vaccine can protect against all of them.

However, 2 vaccines Pneumococcal disease vaccine for children National Immunisation Program Schedule Pneumococcal disease vaccine for adults Pneumococcal vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your local council immunisation service Nurse-on-Call (616) 555-0024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) Your local community health centre immunisation@health.vic.gov.au National Immunisation Hotline 1800 671 811 The emergency department of your nearest hospital.

Key Points

  • Immunisation can substantially reduce the risk of infection, especially in young children
  • Pneumococcal disease is also an important cause of pneumonia in adults 70 years of age or over
  • Older people are especially at risk of death from this disease
  • While pneumococcal disease can occur at any time, infections seem to be more common during winter and spring
  • can cause a range of illnesses, depending on which part of the body is infected