Pneumonia is an infectious disease that inflames the air sacs of one or both lungs, and especially affects children under 5 years of age and adults over 65 years of age, according to the Mayo Clinic.
This infection is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, which is also responsible for developing sinusitis, meningitis and septicemia. These more serious conditions could lead to hospitalizations or deaths, in the most severe cases.
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However, there is a way to prevent pneumococcal disease, the group of infections caused by the pneumococcus bacteria, which includes pneumonia. This is the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20), and must be administered by a professional doctor depending on the age of the patient.
For babies and adults over 65 years of age, the application of the vaccine should be essential, as they have a higher risk of contracting pneumonia.
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These are the vaccines against pneumonia according to age
This is the form of application recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in adults.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20) for all adults over 65 years of age and those over 19 years of age who have risk factors for pneumonia.
- If PCV15 is given, it should be followed with a dose of the polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).
- Adults age 65 and older have the option to receive PCV20 if they have already received PCV13 (but not PCV15 or PCV20) at any age.
- Adults over age 65 can receive PPSV23 at age 65 or later.
Image of a vaccine applied to an older adult. Photo: EFE
In Ecuador, free vaccination against pneumococcus has existed since 2011 for all children born each year. According to Medline Plusinfants and young children need four doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, as directed by their doctor.
- First dose: At two months of age.
- Second dose: At four months of age.
- Third dose: At six months of age.
- Fourth dose: Between twelve and fifteen months of age.
Babies and children under 5 years of age should be vaccinated against pneumonia.
After vaccines, side effects may occur ranging from redness, swelling, pain or tenderness in the area where the vaccine was given, to fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills or seizures, in the case of children.
Symptoms of pneumonia
In accordance with Mayo Clinicthese are the most common symptoms of pneumonia.
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Disorientation or changes in mental perception (in adults 65 years of age or older)
- Cough that can produce phlegm
- Fatigue
- Fever, sweating and chills with tremor
- Lower than normal body temperature (in adults over 65 and people with a weak immune system)
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
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2024-03-01 16:36:00
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