The Ultimate Swine Flu Survival Guide
 
Secondary bacterial community-acquired pneumonia has been a frequent cause of illness and death during the influenza pandemics of the 20th century.  The most common organism believed to cause this type of pneumonia is S. pneumoniae.  For this type of pneumonia, we are lucky to have a Pneumococcal vaccine, that may help prevent or reduce the risk of death from acquired S. pneumoniae pneumonia.  Those at risk under the age of 65 are people with chronic conditions that may include: asthma and smoking, chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, immunocompromised conditions, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

The only bacterial cause of pneumonia that a Pneumococcal vaccine can prevent is S. pneumoniae.  There are other causes of pneumonia that would not be covered by this vaccine.  Given that vaccination rates for those at risk younger than 65 is low. those that are at high risk should speak to their doctors about obtaining a Pneumovax.   Pneumococcal disease is estimated to cause 500,000 cases of pneumonia and 40,000 deaths annually in the United States.  The case-fatality rate from severe illness is anywhere between 15-30%.
 


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