Symptoms and Treatment of Pneumococcus Infection

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a respiratory disease caused by a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract, specifically by pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae). The disease usually affects children under 5 years of age and adults over the age of 65, as well as adults with chronic disease or suppressed immunity. The disease is spread by close contact with infected individuals, specifically via respiratory droplets. The time from exposure to symptom onset is 1 to 3 days. Read more about the symptoms and treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia.