What should you know about pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumococcal bacteria can infect the air sacs of the lungs, causing inflammation and sometimes mucus that is difficult to clear. A person may have a cough, fever, chills, chest discomfort, tiredness or shortness of breath. Older adults, young children and people with long-term health conditions may become unwell more quickly, although anyone can be affected. Symptoms can overlap with Influenza, COVID-19 and other forms of Pneumonia, so symptoms alone cannot identify the cause.

Contact a clinician if a cough is accompanied by fever, chills, chest pain or breathlessness, particularly if the illness is getting worse. Assessment may include listening to the chest, checking oxygen levels and deciding whether imaging or other tests are needed. If pneumococcal infection is suspected, the clinician will choose treatment based on your examination and overall health. Rest, drink fluids if you can, and use medicines only as directed.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, or chest pain with difficulty breathing. A very unwell person with infection symptoms also needs prompt assessment because pneumonia can sometimes lead to Sepsis. Do not wait for a cough to become severe before seeking help if breathing is affected.

Ask whether the symptoms fit Pneumonia, whether a chest examination or imaging is needed, how to take any prescribed medicine, and which changes mean you should return. Ask whether vaccination is appropriate for your age or health conditions.