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The PHARMACIST talks about …

Infant Pnemonococcal Disease

Pneumococcol disease is a prevalent bacterial infection that causes significant illness every year among Australian children.

The disease is caused by bacteria known as pneumococcus, which is potentially life threatening. If untreated, or if treatment is unsuccessful, pneumococcal disease can lead to hearing loss, mental retardation, permanent brain damage or even death. Infants from birth to two years have the highest risk of developing pneumococcal disease.

Pneumococcal disease is spread by bacteria found in the nose and throat of children and adults. It is spread by close contact, and through simple actions like coughing and sneezing. The warning signs for pneumococcal disease vary depending on the illness and its severity.

Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, photophobia, sudden shaking, chills, cough, chest congestion, earache and muffled hearing. In infants and young children, frequent tugging at the ear may signal an acute ear infection.

The higher risk groups include children who have close regular contact with others such as those who attend day care, children living in a household with smokers, those who have suffered recent ear infections and children with a weakened immune system.

Because of historically overuse of penicillin, resistance to treatment has has resulted, and the persistently high morbidity and mortality associated with pneumococcal infection has shifted antibiotic therapy to the prevention of infection through immunization.

Evidence suggests the benefits of pneumococcal vaccination extend beyond the prevention of disease to reducing the need for antibiotic treatment.

The latest vaccine recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group recommended all children receive the vaccine for infant pneumococcal disease as part of the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule and it be given at two, four and six months of age.

If you would like to obtain more information about pneumococcal disease or vaccination, please do not hesitate to contact your local general practitioner or Healthpoint pharmacist.

Please Note: The advice on this website is to be used as an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace advice from your qualified GP or medical practitioner. Please ensure that you speak to them in relation to all of your health issues.