It may not be the number one killer disease.. but it ranks first on morbidity and ranks 5th on mortality. Pneumucoccal Disease is a SERIOUS disease.
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), also known as pneumococcus. The bacteria may cause ear infection, pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis. Young children and the elderly are more prone to the disease. People who are suffering from diabetes are also at risk, along with people with serious underlying medical condition such as heart or kidney disease and chronic lung. Smokers are also at risk and people who’s immune system is weak.
How is pneumococcal disease contracted and What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease?
The Pneumococcal bacteria can travel through the air and a close contact to people carrying the bacteria can spread the disease. It can be spread through sneezing, coughing or even breathing and talking.
Symptoms of pneumococcal disease include fever, shaking chills, headache, productive cough, muscle pain and weakness. It also vary depending on the severity of the disease.
How is pneumococcal disease treated and how can it be prevented?
Pneumococcal Disease can be treated by antibiotics but the bacteria has become increasingly resistant to penicillin and other frequently used antibiotics.
A new pneumococcal vaccine is now available in the Philippines for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by S.pneumoniae for adults aged 50 years and older. Immunization has been the most effective control measures in preventing Pneumococcal Disease and Pfizer Inc. has officially launched in the Philippines its pneumococcal vaccine for adults aged 50 years old and above.
In a press conference was held last week, Julio Alberto Ramirez, an specialist on infectious disease, told us that death caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is even higher than the death caused by HIV.
Dr. Professor Heinz-Josef Schmitt, Senior Director for Scientific Affairs (Vaccines) of Pfizer since May 2011, explained to us the microbial exposures and diseases throughout life and it can be seen that young children and elderly are prone to more microbials and diseases. Dr. Schmitt also pointed out how important the vaccine is to adults 50 years and above since their immune system have weakened and leaves the body susceptible to more diseases.
Also present during the press conference is Dr. Rontgene M. Solante, president of the Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) and Dr. Ricardo C. Zotomayor, Chief of the Section of Pulmonary Medicine.
The pneumococcal vaccine of Pfizer has been available in the country since 2010 for use in children ages 2 to 5 years old and is now approved for adults 50 years old and above in the Philippines since November 2011. The adult indication was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) last October 2011 and the US. Food and Drug Administration last December 2011.
About Pfizer
Pfizer combines the application of science and global resources to improve the health and well-being of humans at every stage of their lives. The company strives to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicine for people and animals. Their diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with their responsibility as the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, they also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on them. To learn more about Pfizer’s commitments, please visit www.pfizer.com.
