Healthy Living Q & A from Universal Health Care Inc.
Question: What causes more deaths than all other vaccine – preventable diseases
combined?
Answer: Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal Disease is caused by bacteria. In adults, it most commonly causes pneumonia,
but also causes many other illnesses as well. Adults 65 years of age or older are
especially vulnerable to serious illness, often resulting in death.
Risk factors: Persons who have chronic illnesses such as emphysema, heart or liver
disease, diabetes or cancer are at higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease.
Also at risk are people who smoke, are over 65, or are taking medication that might
suppress the immune system.
Prevention: The easiest way to prevent pneumococcal disease is to live a healthly
lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a nutritious diet and not smoking.
And, for people at high risk for contracting this disease, there is a vaccine, often
referred to as the "pneumonia shot".
A pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all people age 65 or older.
Contact your Primary Care Physician if you have questions or want to discuss receiving
the vaccine.