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Pneumococcal Infections
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Pneumococcal Infections

Pneumococcal infections are caused by a type of streptococcus bacteria and can range from mild ear infections to severe conditions like pneumonia or meningitis.

Overview

Pneumococci are a type of streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria spread through contact with people who are ill or by healthy people who carry the bacteria in the back of their nose. Pneumococcal infections can be mild or severe.

Common Types of Infections

  • Ear infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis
  • Meningitis

Diagnosis and Treatment

How the diagnosis is made depends upon where the infection is. Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your medical history. Possible tests may include blood, imaging, or lab tests. Treatment is with antibiotics.

Prevention

Vaccines can prevent pneumococcal infections. There are two vaccines available:

  • One is for infants and young children.
  • The other is for people at high risk, including those who are over 65 years old, have chronic illnesses or weak immune systems, smoke, have asthma, or live in long-term care facilities.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

dults 65 and older should receive a single dose of the 13‑valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13) followed by a 23‑valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) at least one year later. If you have a chronic disease (e.g., heart, lung, kidney, or diabetes) or a weakened immune system, your provider may recommend the PPSV23 earlier, sometimes within 8 weeks of the PCV13 dose, to maximize protection.
The doctor will order a chest X‑ray to assess lung infiltrates, perform a sputum culture or a blood culture, and may use a rapid antigen test or PCR for Streptococcus pneumoniae. Elevated white blood cell counts and a positive culture or antigen test confirm a bacterial pneumococcal infection.
Quit smoking or avoid second‑hand smoke, maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, keep vaccinations up to date, manage chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, and practice good hand hygiene, especially before eating or after contact with sick individuals. These measures help strengthen the immune system and reduce exposure to the bacteria.
Look for high fever that doesn’t respond to fever reducers, severe ear pain that worsens with movement, sudden hearing loss, vomiting, or a rash that looks like small red spots. If any of these occur, seek medical care immediately, as they could signal meningitis, sepsis, or a severe lung infection.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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