Pneumococcal infection: Causes, transmission, and symptoms
Invasive pneumococcal diseases are serious infections caused by the bacterium *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, which can invade normally sterile areas of the body such as the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Common forms include pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.
Symptoms of invasive pneumococcal diseases vary depending on the site of infection. Pneumonia symptoms may include a cough with sputum that may be clear, yellow, or green; high fever; chills; sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breaths; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle and joint aches; nausea or vomiting; sometimes coughing up blood; and signs of low oxygen like bluish lips or rapid breathing. Meningitis symptoms, which indicate an infection of the brain coverings, may include severe headaches, confusion, fever, and neck stiffness. Bloodstream infections (bacteremia) can cause fever, chills, and malaise. More severe cases may lead to confusion, disorientation, or rapid heart rate indicating systemic infection or sepsis.
The primary treatment for invasive pneumococcal disease is antibiotics. Because these infections can be severe and potentially life-threatening, broad-spectrum antibiotics are commonly used initially until the specific sensitivity of the bacteria is known. Supportive care in hospital settings may be necessary for severe cases, such as oxygen therapy or intensive care.
Vaccination is the most effective prevention method against pneumococcal diseases. Pneumococcal vaccines protect against over 90 types of pneumococcal bacteria and are recommended especially for young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions. Vaccines have some potential side effects like redness, swelling, fever, or muscle pain at the injection site, but severe allergic reactions are rare.
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen rapidly or include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or signs of an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Invasive pneumococcal diseases occur inside a major organ or in a person's blood and are more severe than the noninvasive type. Growing antibiotic resistance means that some antibiotics no longer work for some people and some conditions, and so a doctor may prescribe a combination of antibiotics.
Regular vaccinations can prevent many types of pneumococcal disease and the potential complications. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to PPSV23, PCV13, or PCV7 should not have another one. Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but some people have a higher risk, including those under 2 years old or over 65, those with underlying medical conditions, weakened immune systems, chronic diseases, those who live in long-term care facilities, smokers, those with a cochlear implant, and others.
In summary, invasive pneumococcal disease presents with serious symptoms depending on the affected organ, requires prompt antibiotic treatment, and can be largely prevented through vaccination. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to reduce complications and improve outcomes.
- Science continues to advance our understanding of immunizations and vaccines, including those for invasive pneumococcal diseases.
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- Therapies and treatments for diseases like invasive pneumococcal disease will vary depending on the severity and location of the infection.
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- Women's health encompasses addressing immunization needs to prevent infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease.
- Parenting involves ensuring children receive regular immunizations to protect them against diseases like invasive pneumococcal disease.
- Weight management is essential for overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases that increase susceptibility to infections like invasive pneumococcal disease.
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- The healthcare industry relies on vaccinations to control the spread of infectious diseases like invasive pneumococcal disease.
- Medicare covers vaccinations for conditions like invasive pneumococcal disease for eligible individuals.
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