Signs + Symptoms

Pneumococcal Disease

Transmission

Pneumococcal bacteria is spread by coughing and sneezing and is only spread between humans.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common form of pneumococcal disease, affecting the lungs.Symptoms can include:

Chest pain
Cough
Fever
Difficulty breathing

Pneumococcal meningitis is one of the most dangerous forms of pneumococcal disease, affecting the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include:

Confusion
Fever
Headache
Sensitivity to light
Stiff neck

Pneumococcal bacteremia affects the blood. Symptoms can include:

Chills
Fever
Low alertness

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication that can be caused by pneumococcal disease. Symptoms can include:

Clammy skin
Confusion
Fever
Extreme pain
Increased heart rate
Shortness of breath

Pneumococcal disease can also cause middle ear infections. Symptoms can include:

Ear pain
Fever
Fatigue
Swollen ear drum

Treatment

Pneumococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics, although has been known to become antibiotic-resistant, therefore it is important to take all medications as prescribed and finish the entire prescription.

Complications

Pneumococcal infections are usually mild. It varies in how it manifests, with meningitis being the most dangerous type of infection, sometimes causing death. Bacteremia is also a very dangerous type of pneumococcal disease that can be fatal. Pneumonia is a very common type of pneumococcal disease that can cause many complications including, but not limited to:

Airway blockage
Infection of the space between the lungs and chest cavity
Inflammation of the sac around the heart

Vaccine schedule for children 0-6

4 vaccines at 2, 4, 6 months and 12-15 months

Source: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention