Pneumococcal Infections: From Ear Infections to Meningitis, and the Vaccines Against Them

Pneumococci are a type of Streptococcus bacteria. They spread through contact with people who are sick, and with healthy people who carry the bacteria in the back of the nose. The infections they cause range from mild to severe.

Common infections

• ear infections
• sinus infections
• pneumonia
• sepsis
• meningitis

Diagnosis and treatment

How the infection is diagnosed depends on where it is. The doctor will examine you and ask about your medical history, and may order blood tests, imaging or other lab tests. Pneumococcal infections are treated with antibiotics.

Prevention

Vaccines can prevent pneumococcal infections. There are two:

• one for infants and young children;
• one for people at high risk, including those over 65, people with chronic illnesses or weak immune systems, smokers, people with asthma, and residents of long-term care facilities.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Pneumococcal Infections," drawing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://medlineplus.gov/pneumococcalinfections.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.