Sunday, August 30, 2009

Pneumococcal Disease

DEAR MOM...PLEASE PREVENT UR LITTLE ONE FROM PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE


I plan to get pneumococcal jap for Travissh when he 2 months old......I did a few research such as browse through internet, discussion with other mom (Mommy Joan Clair and Mommy Christina Henry), read Mommy Stephanie Liah post under topic Pneumococcal and Rotavirus in her blog www.ryanraffael.blogspot.com........if possible it is a COMPULSORY for our baby to take this injection...prevention is better than cure rite......no matter how much it costs..expensive or cheap...but it is not an issue....yg penting our baby sihat...


Here is some of the info on pneumoccoccal disease i found on the net....


According to the World Health Organization's current estimates, one child dies of a pneumococcal disease every minute. Pneumococcal infection can cause ear infection, sinus infection, pneumonia, blood infection (bacteremia), and meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain). About 1 out of every 20 people who get pneumococcal pneumonia dies from it, as do about 2 out of every 10 who get bacteremia, and 3 out of 10 who get meningitis. Pneumococcal disease kills more people in the United States every year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined.

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus. It may cause pneumonia, meningitis or a blood stream infection (bacteremia).

Who gets pneumococcal disease?

Although anyone can get pneumococcal disease, it occurs more frequently in infants, young children, African Americans, some Native American populations, the elderly or in people with serious underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung, heart or kidney disease. Others at risk include alcoholics, diabetics, people with weakened immune systems and those without a spleen.

How is the disease transmitted?

The pneumococcus is spread by airborne or direct exposure to respiratory droplets from a person who is infected or carrying the bacteria?

When does pneumococcal disease occur?

Infections occur most often during the winter and early spring when respiratory illnesses are more common.

How soon after exposure do symptoms occur?

The incubation period may vary but it is generally one to three days.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms generally include an abrupt onset of fever and shaking or chills. Other common symptoms may include headache, cough, chest pain, disorientation, shortness of breath, weakness and occasionally a stiff neck.

How is pneumococcal disease diagnosed?

Doctors are able to diagnose pneumococcal disease based on the type of symptoms exhibited by the patient and specific laboratory cultures of sputum, blood or spinal fluid.

How is it treated?

Prompt treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin or cephalosporin, is usually effective. However, penicillin-resistant strains of pneumococcus are increasingly being reported throughout the United States.

Is there a vaccine to prevent infection?

Yes. There are two types of vaccines currently in use, one of which is approved for children less than two years of age. Both vaccines are safe and reduce disease occurrence. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all children less than 24 months old and for children between 24 and 59 months old who are at high risk of disease. Older children and adults with risk factors may receive the pneumococcal polysaccaride vaccine. Patients in high-risk categories should ask their health care provider or local health department about pneumococcal vaccine.


3 comments:

Mommy Stephanie Liah And Daddy Remy Rizal said...

yes it really important,ryan still got another last jap ms 11months ila.got 4japs.

Agnes Kanyan @ Mummy Vish said...

betul babe....that day Mommy Christina Henry empu baby kena meningitis...nasib cepat gi hospital...takut aku eh...

Mommy Stephanie Liah And Daddy Remy Rizal said...

ee takut...penting tau pneumococoal...walau mahal,life anak lg penting dr duit..