The Real Story.....: Pneumococcal Vaccination

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Pneumococcal Vaccination

Backdated entry nih..

citer tawon lepass..

Rayyan just had his 1st pneumococcal dose last month @ 2nd December 2010..

semasa umur 9 mos..

asyik bertangguh jer nk amik jab nih..

tunggu ayah balik offshore..

terus bawak Rayyan amik jab nih..

untuk Rayyan, next dose nanti mase umur 11 bulan dan

dose terakhir pada umur setahun sebulan...

Ibu amik jab ni atas nasihat Paed Nazim (Pusat Rawatan Islam Az Zahra)

Kos RM 235 per jab (PCV 13)
dan alhamdulillah pas jab rayyan tak demam..

mmg nampak perbezaan before n after amik jab nih..

batuk, selsema n demam da kurang..

even kat umah mama lin, sume schoolmate kena virus selsema, demam..

Rayyan still sehat...

SO..

ibu cuma nk update pasal vaccine nih..

dan share serba sedikit info yg berguna untuk pada readers..

so marilah rajinkan diri anda membaca artikel di bawah ini..

Pneumococcal (pronounced as New-m'COCKAL) disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus. It may cause pneumonia, meningitis or a blood stream infection (bacteremia). This disease mostly strike children under age 5 and can lead to some of the worst childhood diseases. Kids under 2 years old are most at risk. These bugs live in the mucous lining of the nose and in the back of the throat, and when plentiful enough can cause an infection in the respiratory tract, middle ear, or sinus cavities.

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus. It may cause pneumonia, meningitis or a blood stream infection (bacteremia).

Who gets pneumococcal disease?

Although anyone can get pneumococcal disease, it occurs more frequently in infants, young children, African Americans, some Native American populations, the elderly or in people with serious underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung, heart or kidney disease. Others at risk include alcoholics, diabetics, people with weakened immune systems and those without a spleen.

How is the disease transmitted?

The pneumococcus is spread by airborne or direct exposure to respiratory droplets from a person who is infected or carrying the bacteria?

When does pneumococcal disease occur?

Infections occur most often during the winter and early spring when respiratory illnesses are more common.

How soon after exposure do symptoms occur?

The incubation period may vary but it is generally one to three days.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms generally include an abrupt onset of fever and shaking or chills. Other common symptoms may include headache, cough, chest pain, disorientation, shortness of breath, weakness and occasionally a stiff neck.

How is pneumococcal disease diagnosed?

Doctors are able to diagnose pneumococcal disease based on the type of symptoms exhibited by the patient and specific laboratory cultures of sputum, blood or spinal fluid.

How is it treated?

Prompt treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin or cephalosporin, is usually effective. However, penicillin-resistant strains of pneumococcus are increasingly being reported throughout the United States.

Is there a vaccine to prevent infection?

Yes. There are two types of vaccines currently in use, one of which is approved for children less than two years of age. Both vaccines are safe and reduce disease occurrence. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all children less than 24 months old and for children between 24 and 59 months old who are at high risk of disease. Older children and adults with risk factors may receive the pneumococcal polysaccaride vaccine. Patients in high-risk categories should ask their health care provider or local health department about pneumococcal vaccine.

More information from this links:
Info 1

Info 2

Info 3