Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection caused by different pathogens including viruses, bacteria and fungi and is the leading single cause of infant death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
Pneumococcal disease stands out among the major bacterial infections that affect children under 5 years of age and cause pneumonia. READ: They demand pneumococcal vaccine for newborns due to respiratory surge
In Colombia, approximately one in 10 children under 5 years of age die from respiratory infections, including pneumococcal pneumonia.
Pneumococcal disease is common and can cause infections of the ears (otitis media), lungs (pneumonia), blood (sepsis), and brain (meningitis) in a child’s first few years of life.
Recently, Invima approved a new alternative in the country to prevent this delicate disease.
“The approval of this new prevention alternative is good news for Colombia, as pneumococcal disease is a priority among the goals of the country’s 10-year public health plan and an opportunity to reduce indicators of infant mortality caused by the disease,” Highlights Carmela Oranges, medical director, MSD Medical Center.
How to find out in time?
Like other respiratory illnesses, pneumococcal bacteria are spread from person to person through saliva and/or respiratory droplets and when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
However, it’s worth clarifying that some children and adults can have bacteria in their noses and throats without any symptoms of infection but can still spread the disease. READ: Updated pneumococcal vaccine now available in Colombia
Some of the most common symptoms caused by pneumococcal bacteria in children under 5 years old are: fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing.
For babies, in addition to these symptoms, they may experience seizures, hypothermia, groaning breaths, and/or an inability to breastfeed and drink.
However, pneumococcal disease is preventable and we can protect children by taking the following actions:
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching your nose and mouth and before handling food.
• Healthy nutrition and drinking water consumption.
• Be careful not to share bottles, glasses or kitchen utensils with others.
• Understand and identify symptoms and risk factors early.
• Ensure vaccination programs are up to date.
If the disease is suspected or suspected, immediate medical attention and/or consultation with a health professional is recommended.