Influenza And Pneumonia
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Nov. 30, 2024 report reflects that nationally influenza case count remains low with the exception of Georgia, Louisiana and Arizona reporting high influenza activity. Florida remains low at this time. Typically, in January, flu season begins to peak as the holidays are ending and more people have been traveling.
Coming down with the flu, especially in older adults, can leave a weakened immune system that is vulnerable to other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.
Medical Center provider Dr. Manuel Torres states, “Pneumonia should be prioritized over other common respiratory infections in patients over the age of 65.”
Pneumococcal disease* is a term used for a wide range of infections caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Ear and sinus infections are examples of the mild infections these bacteria can cause. Although rare, people can have serious infections or complications from ear and sinus infections.
In the United States, there are two types of vaccines recommended to help prevent pneumococcal disease:
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV15, PCV20, PCV21)
- Pneumococcal PolySaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)
Each of these vaccines helps protect against specific serotypes, or strains, of pneumococcal bacteria.
The number at the end of the vaccine name indicates how many serotypes the vaccine protects against:
- VaxneuvanceTM (PCV15) helps protect against 15 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
- Prevnar 20® (PCV20) helps protect against 20 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
- CAPVAXIVETM (PCV21) helps protect against 21 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
- Pneumovax23® (PPSV23) helps protect against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
Vaccine providers may administer PPSV23 to children aged 2 through 18 with certain conditions. Vaccine providers also administer this vaccine to adults who receive PCV15 or received an earlier vaccine called PCV13.
Keeping up-to-date with vaccines, especially for those over the age of 65, is important. Your Medical Center physician can advise which vaccines are right for you. Washing your hands, following a healthy diet and getting adequate sleep will help your immune system stay strong and fight respiratory viruses.