What should you know about diplococcus pneumonia?

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a bacterial lung infection. Inflammation and fluid in the air sacs can make oxygen exchange harder, causing cough, fever, chills, chest discomfort or shortness of breath. Some people cough up phlegm. Similar symptoms can occur with influenza or COVID-19, so symptoms alone cannot identify the cause.

A clinician may listen to your chest and choose tests such as a chest image or a sample of respiratory fluid, depending on how ill you are. Severe infection can spread beyond the lungs and lead to sepsis.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if pneumonia is suspected, especially for an older adult, a young child or someone with heart, lung or immune problems. Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed, drink fluids if you can, rest and avoid smoking. Do not use leftover antibiotics, because the right treatment depends on the suspected cause and your clinical findings.

Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, inability to stay awake or rapidly worsening weakness. Seek same-day advice for chest pain with breathing, persistent fever, worsening cough, dehydration or coughing up blood. A child who is struggling to breathe needs urgent care.

Ask whether the findings suggest pneumococcal infection, which tests are needed, how to take treatment safely, when improvement should begin, and whether vaccination can reduce future risk.