The Flu Pneumonia And Inflammation Create A Deadly Threat
Pneumococcal pneumonia can follow other viral infections, particularly influenza, says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The biology behind it:The flu virus attaches to, and infects, the cells lining the mucous membranes in the back of the throat, nose and bronchial tubes. Normally, the cells eject infectious agents out of the body via the nose or mouth, or they’re simply swallowed. But when impaired by the flu, the cells lining these membranes allow the bacteria to slip down into the bronchial tubes and trigger a secondary infection, in the lungs. The infection inflames the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to fill with pus and fluid. That not only makes it hard to breathe but can allow bacteria to escape into the bloodstream, causing an infection called sepsis, an aggressive inflammatory response that can, ultimately, lead to organ failure.
Pneumococcal pneumonia, of course, is also likely be a complication of respiratory syncytial virus , a common and highly contagious winter lung infection, whichuncharacteristicallyspread this summer, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the pneumococcal vaccine wont shield you from pneumonia that results from either of them. As Schaffner puts it, Pneumonia from Covid is a different sort of pneumonia.
What Should I Do If Im Fully Vaccinated And Ive Been Exposed To The Coronavirus
If youre fully vaccinated and youve come in contact with someone infected with COVID-19, you dont need to quarantine unless you have possible COVID symptoms.
Even if you dont have any symptoms, the CDC recommends that you:
- Get tested 5-7 days after exposure.
- Wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days after exposure or until your COVID-19 test result is negative.
Flexon Flexon J4003 Eyeglasses
Flexon FLEXON J4003 from all around the world are offered at the online optical superstore with the best fashion collections. Find Womens, Black, Berry and more Flexon FLEXON J4003 online for sale in our vast selection of eyewear. Over thousands of styles are available to choose from our wide variety of Flexon FLEXON J4003. You can find the perfect pair to complement your facial features and style. Save time, money, and order frames conveniently from the touch of your mobile device or keyboard, or give us a call any time of the day for assistance. Our live eyewear experts are here to serve you. If you have seen a lower price on Flexon FLEXON J4003, please let us know using the price match request form. Free shipping is available, 30-day returns and an included minimum 1-year warranty are what to expect when buying your frames from the online optical superstore, since 1999.
Read Also: Tdap Shots Cvs
Doctors Support The Change
Richard Watkins, MD, an infectious disease physician and a professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, tells Verywell that there was never any compelling evidence for the previous recommendation, adding, I am glad it has been changed.
Watkins says that the move may help more children get vaccinated, noting the convenience factor. Under the updated guidance, families only have to make one trip to get vaccinated instead of several under the previous recommendations, he says.
John Schreiber, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, tells Verywell that the changed guidance seems like a reasonable thing to do.
Schreiber anticipates that some parents may still be wary to give their children other vaccines at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, but say that new recommendations are sound.
I dont have any concerns with this, Schreiber says. But, he adds, the CDC and AAP will monitor children to see what happens next. If it turns out that children are complaining about more side effects after getting vaccinated, Im sure the recommendations can be modified.”
The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.
Symptoms And Causative Agent
Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also called pneumococcal bacteria, pneumococci , and pneumococcus , are one of the leading causes of illness in young children. At least 90 types of pneumococcal bacteria are known to exist. As the name implies, they can cause pneumonia however, these bacteria also can cause bloodstream infections , meningitis, sinusitis, and middle ear infection, among other illnesses. Collectively, the different illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are referred to as pneumococcal disease.
Symptoms of pneumococcal disease vary based on the specific illness the bacteria have caused. Pneumococcal pneumonia symptoms include fever, chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath. When pneumococci infect normally sterile locations, so-called invasive pneumococcal disease may result. The two major types of invasive pneumococcal disease are bacteremia and meningitis . Pneumococcal meningitis symptoms include fever, headache, stiffness in the neck, light sensitivity, and disorientation. Pneumococcal bacteremia may complicate localized infections such as pneumonia and is commonly associated with high fever and shaking chills.
Invasive pneumococcal disease can be fatal survivors of meningitis may have permanent injury, including brain damage, seizures, or hearing loss.
Read Also: Tdap At Cvs
Pneumococcal Disease And How To Protect Against It
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, sometimes referred to as pneumococcus. Pneumococcus can cause many types of illnesses, including ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. You can protect against pneumococcal disease with safe, effective vaccination.
See CDCs Immunization Schedule to view Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.
Flexon Flexon J4011 Eyeglasses
Flexon FLEXON J4011 from all around the world are offered at the online optical superstore with the best fashion collections. Find Womens, Black, Gold Color and more Flexon FLEXON J4011 online for sale in our vast selection of eyewear. Over thousands of styles are available to choose from our wide variety of Flexon FLEXON J4011. You can find the perfect pair to complement your facial features and style. Save time, money, and order frames conveniently from the touch of your mobile device or keyboard, or give us a call any time of the day for assistance. Our live eyewear experts are here to serve you. If you have seen a lower price on Flexon FLEXON J4011, please let us know using the price match request form. Free shipping is available, 30-day returns and an included minimum 1-year warranty are what to expect when buying your frames from the online optical superstore, since 1999.
Don’t Miss: Tdap Shot At Cvs
Can I Get Or Spread Covid
When you get a COVID-19 vaccine, it teaches your immune system to recognize the virus as a foreign element and fight it. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines can greatly reduce your chances of getting infected with the virus. But if you do catch it after youre vaccinated, the vaccine will still protect you from getting as seriously ill or needing hospitalization.
Its important to note that youre not optimally protected until 2 weeks after you get your second dose of a two-shot vaccine. Thats because it takes around 2 weeks for your body to build protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. And because the incubation period is shorter than the wait time between doses, its possible to catch COVID-19 before or just after your vaccination, since your body has not had enough time to build immunity. If this happens, the CDC recommends waiting until youve fully recovered to get the vaccine.
Continued
How Cdc Monitors Vaccine Safety
CDC and FDA monitor the safety of vaccines after they are approved or authorized. If a problem is found with a vaccine, CDC and FDA will inform health officials, health care providers, and the public.
CDC uses 3 systems to monitor vaccine safety:
- The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System : an early warning system, co-managed by CDC and FDA, to monitor for potential vaccine safety problems. Anyone can report possible vaccine side effects to VAERS.
- The Vaccine Safety Datalink : a collaboration between CDC and 9 health care organizations that conducts vaccine safety monitoring and research.
- The Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project: a partnership between CDC and several medical research centers that provides expert consultation and conducts clinical research on vaccine-associated health risks.
You May Like: Tdap Vaccine Cvs
Flexon Benjamin 600 Information And Details
Product
Fashion For: MenPrescription Lenses: Available
The Flexon Benjamin 600 are very popular eyeglasses frames for Men. These eyeglasses frames were added to our website in March of 2014. This Metal Frame is well put together in a Full Rim design. The Square lenses are designed to look good on all Men, with or without prescription lenses.
The Flexon Benjamin 600 are a good choice of eyeglasses for men eyewear shoppers, because they are name brand quality eyeglasses frames with high quality craftsmanship and we offer them for an amazingly low price. Prescription lenses for these Eyeglasses are available, to see what options are available.
Flexon Benjamin 600 is new and comes with authenticity papers, genuine case and manufacturer warranty. We guarantee the product will arrive in brand new condition.
If you currently own the Flexon Benjamin 600 and have damaged lenses, you don’t need to buy a new frame. You can simply get the Flexon replacement lenses for a fraction of the cost of a new frame.
Also, if you have damaged your frame and just need replacement parts, we can help with that too. For replacement parts availability and prices please contact our customer support team.
Who Is Most At Risk For Getting Pneumonia
People who have an increased risk of pneumonia include:
- People over the age of 65 and infants under age 2. The weakening immune system of older people makes them less able to fight off illnesses. Similarly, the immune system of infants is still developing and not at full-strength, making them more susceptible to infection.
- People with a health-caused weakened immune system. Examples include:
- People who are receiving chemotherapy
- Transplanted organ recipients
- People who have HIV/AIDS
- People with autoimmune disease and who are taking medications that suppress the immune system.
Also Check: Tdap Cvs
What Can I Do To Feel Better If I Have Pneumonia
- Finish all medications and therapies prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking antibiotics when you start feeling better. Continue taking them until no pills remain. If you dont take all your antibiotics, your pneumonia may come back.
- If over-the-counter medicines to reduce fever have been recommended , take as directed on the label. Never give aspirin to children.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen phlegm.
- Quit smoking if you smoke. Dont be around others who smoke or vape. Surround yourself with as much clean, chemical-free air as possible.
- Use a humidifier, take a steamy shower or bath to make it easier for you to breathe.
- Get lots of rest. Dont rush your recovery. It can take weeks to get your full strength back.
If at any time you start to feel worse, call your doctor right away.
Pneumococcal Vaccination Rates Correlate With Lower Covid
I gathered national and some local data on vaccination rates against influenza, polio, measles-mumps-rubella , diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis , tuberculosis , pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae type B . I correlated them with COVID-19 case rates and death rates for 24 nations that had experienced their COVID-19 outbreaks at about the same time. I controlled for factors such as percentage of the population who were obese, diabetic or elderly.
I found that only pneumococcal vaccines afforded statistically significant protection against COVID-19. Nations such as Spain, Italy, Belgium, Brazil, Peru and Chile that have the highest COVID-19 rates per million have the poorest pneumococcal vaccination rates among both infants and adults. Nations with the lowest rates of COVID-19 Japan, Korea, Denmark, Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of pneumococcal vaccination among both infants and adults.
A recent preprint study from researchers at the Mayo Clinic has also reported very strong associations between pneumococcal vaccination and protection against COVID-19. This is especially true among minority patients who are bearing the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic. The report also suggests that other vaccines, or combinations of vaccines, such as Hib and MMR may also provide protection.
Based on these data, I advocate universal pneumococcal and Hib vaccination among children, at-risk adults and all adults over 65 to prevent serious COVID-19 disease.
Recommended Reading: Cvs Whooping Cough Vaccine
How Long Should I Quarantine After Ive Been Exposed To The Coronavirus
The CDC says that if you might have come into contact with the virus and have no symptoms, you should self-monitor. This means watching for signs such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Stay out of crowded places, keep at least 6 feet away from other people, and wear a cloth face mask when you have to go out.
If you traveled recently or know that you came into contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should self-quarantine if you are:
- Fully vaccinated with possible COVID symptoms
- Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated
Stay home for 14 days. Its very rare for symptoms to show up after that much time. Check your temperature twice a day, and watch for other symptoms. Stay away from other people, especially those who are at high risk of serious illness because of their age or another medical condition.
If staying home for 14 days creates a hardship, the CDC advises you may be able to leave quarantine:
- After day 10 without testing
- After day 7 after receiving a negative test result
Still, after you leave quarantine, you should continue to monitor yourself for any symptoms.
The Pneumonia Vaccine Explained
While pneumonia is usually mild, it can have deadly consequences for portions of the population, especially people over the age of 65. In fact, Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria that causes pneumococcal disease, is the No. 1 cause of pneumonia worldwide.
The vaccine indirectly protects adults by stopping children from spreading the bacteria
“But this bacteria doesn’t just cause pneumonia. It’s a nasty human pathogen that can invade the brain and bloodstream, leading to ear infections, sinus infections, even meningitis,” says Dr. Michael Ben-Aderet, associate medical director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai.
“It can make people very sick, and it’s a key cause of death among the elderly.”
In 2017, an estimated 3,600 people died from invasive pneumococcal disease in the U.S. alone.
Read Also: Cvs Tetanus
Flexon E1137 Information And Details
Product
Fashion For: MenPrescription Lenses: Available
The Flexon E1137 are very popular eyeglasses frames for Men. These eyeglasses frames were added to our website in October of 2020. This Metal Frame is well put together in a Full Rim design. The Square lenses are designed to look good on all Men, with or without prescription lenses.
The Flexon E1137 are a good choice of eyeglasses for men eyewear shoppers, because they are name brand quality eyeglasses frames with high quality craftsmanship and we offer them for an amazingly low price. Prescription lenses for these Eyeglasses are available, to see what options are available.
Flexon E1137 is new and comes with authenticity papers, genuine case and manufacturer warranty. We guarantee the product will arrive in brand new condition.
If you currently own the Flexon E1137 and have damaged lenses, you don’t need to buy a new frame. You can simply get the Flexon replacement lenses for a fraction of the cost of a new frame.
Also, if you have damaged your frame and just need replacement parts, we can help with that too. For replacement parts availability and prices please contact our customer support team.
Is Pneumonia Treated Any Differently In Children
Essentially no. Just like adults, bacterial causes of pneumonia in children may be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are not used to treat pneumonia caused by viruses. Flu-related pneumonia may be treated with antiviral medicine if caught early in the course of illness. Most cases of pneumonia are treated with comfort care measures that ease symptoms. These may include:
- Drinking more fluids.
- Getting more rest.
- Taking over-the-counter medicines for cough and acetaminophen for fever. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about giving medicines to your child.
- Using a cool mist humidifier in your childs room.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does The Shingles Vaccine Cost At Cvs
How The Pneumococcal Vaccine Works
Both types of pneumococcal vaccine encourage your body to produce antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria.
Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to neutralise or destroy disease-carrying organisms and toxins.
They protect you from becoming ill if you’re infected with the bacteria.
More than 90 different strains of the pneumococcal bacterium have been identified, although most of these strains do not cause serious infections.
The childhood vaccine protects against 13 strains of the pneumococcal bacterium, while the adult vaccine protects against 23 strains.
How Pneumococcal Vaccination Protects Against Covid
Protection against serious COVID-19 disease by pneumococcal and Hib vaccines makes sense for several reasons. First, recent studies reveal that the majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and in some studies nearly all, are infected with streptococci, which causes pneumococcal pneumonias, Hib or other pneumonia-causing bacteria. Pneumococcal and Hib vaccinations should protect coronavirus patients from these infections and thus significantly cut the risk of serious pneumonia.
I also found that pneumococcal, Hib and possibly rubella vaccines may confer specific protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 by means of molecular mimicry.
Molecular mimicry occurs when the immune system thinks one microbe looks like another. In this case, proteins found in pneumococcal vaccines and, to a lesser degree, ones found in Hib and rubella vaccines as well look like several proteins produced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Two of these proteins found in pneumococcal vaccines mimic the spike and membrane proteins that permit the virus to infect cells. This suggests pneumococcal vaccination may prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Two other mimics are the nucleoprotein and replicase that control virus replication. These proteins are made after viral infection, in which case pneumococcal vaccination may control, but not prevent, SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Don’t Miss: Can I Get A Tdap Shot At Cvs