Pneumococcal infection is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumococcal infection can cause illnesses such as:

• pneumonia
• meningitis (infection of the membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord)
• septicaemia/bacteraemia (blood system infection)
• middle ear and sinus infections.

Pneumococcal disease can be very serious. If you’re living with diabetes, pneumococcal disease can increase your risk of infections and death.

Therefore, vaccination is recommended for people living with diabetes to reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease. Discuss pneumococcal vaccination with your doctor.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia can include:

• fever
• coughing
• difficulty breathing
• headaches
• low energy
• chest pain.

Reducing your risk of pneumococcal pneumonia

Here are some lifestyle measures you can take to help reduce your risk of pneumococcal pneumonia, in addition to vaccination:

• Stop smoking. Stopping smoking will help reduce your risk of pneumococcal pneumonia infection.
• Reduce your alcohol intake. If you regularly drink alcohol, reducing your intake may also help reduce your risk of pneumococcal pneumonia.
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise. Moving your body, getting the right amount of exercise, and eating a balanced diet may help you fight off infection, including from pneumococcal bacteria.

References: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Canberra, 2022, Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) Australian immunisation handbook NSW Health 2021, Pneumococcal disease fact sheet