Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious bacterial lung infection that can disrupt your life for weeks and even require hospitalization. Medical experts want you to know that there are steps you can take to lower your risk of serious illness.

Getting vaccinated is a key step to prevent pneumococcal disease, which includes pneumococcal pneumonia, bloodstream infections (bacteremia), and meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for all adults 50 years or older, as well as for those aged 19-49 with certain medical conditions, including asthma, COPD, chronic heart disease, and diabetes.

“The immune system naturally weakens with age, so even if you’re healthy and active, being older puts you at greater risk of severe illness from pneumococcal pneumonia,” says Albert A. Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association (ALA). The ALA’s educational program with Pfizer shares the following facts:

  • Anyone can develop pneumococcal pneumonia, a disease that can recur. Certain groups are at higher risk for serious illness, hospitalization, or death.
  • Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia can come on suddenly and without warning, and include fever, chills, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or rapid breathing.
  • Having the flu raises the risk of developing pneumonia, including pneumococcal pneumonia. Getting a flu shot every year helps prevent seasonal influenza. People at risk for pneumococcal disease should consider receiving a pneumococcal vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits of getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia today.

 

For more details on pneumococcal pneumonia risk factors, symptoms, and prevention, visit www.Lung.org/pneumococcal.