Pneumococcal Disease in Adults – What Is It? How Does It Spread? Part 1

By Mountain-Pacific Pacific Quality Health

May 6, 2021

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pneumococcal pneumonia causes 150,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States. In 2018 alone, pneumococcal meningitis and bacteremia killed nearly 3,500 people. While pneumococcal disease in adults often ranges from mild to serious, the disease can be deadly. However, the disease is preventable. Two vaccines are currently available to protect you and your loved ones against this disease.

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is a term used for a wide range of infections caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), including:

Ear infections
Sinus infections
Pneumonia (lung infection)
Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
Meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord)
Sepsis (the body’s extreme response to an infection)

What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease?

Symptoms depend on the part of the body the bacteria are affecting. For sinus and ear infections, symptoms are usually relatively mild, such as:

Cough
Ear pain
Fever
Sore throat

Symptoms can vary based on what part of the body is affected. Sinus and ear infections symptoms are usually mild, and can include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Rapid or difficult breathing
Chest pain
Headache
Stiff neck
Increased pain when looking at bright lights
Confusion or low alertness

How do doctors diagnose and treat pneumococcal disease?

Early diagnosis and treatment are important for serious pneumococcal infections. Diagnosis depends on which type of infection a doctor thinks a patient may have. For meningitis or bloodstream infections, doctors will collect samples of cerebrospinal fluid or blood and send them to a laboratory for testing. Doctors can also use a urine test to diagnose some cases of pneumonia. For illnesses like ear and sinus infections, doctors usually diagnose them based on history, symptoms and a physical exam. Doctors can treat pneumococcal disease with antibiotics.

How does pneumococcal disease spread?

Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing and close contact. People can carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without being sick and spread the bacteria to others.

Which adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease?

Some adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease, including those who:

Are 65 years or older
Use alcohol excessively
Smoke cigarettes
Have certain medical conditions including:
- Chronic illnesses of the heart, liver or kidney
- Chronic illnesses of the lung (including chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema and asthma)
- Diabetes
- Conditions that weaken the immune system (HIV/AIDS, cancer or damaged/absent spleen)
- Cochlear implants (an electronic device that allows some people to hear)
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak (a health problem where fluid surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord leaks)

Next week, learn how we can help prevent the disease for ourselves and our loved one in part two of this blog series.