The pneumococcal infection is found at the back of the nose and throat of healthy adults and children it is transferred from person to person during close contact. Coughing, sneezing, kissing and touching with unclean hands. Regular hand washing is important to prevent spread of infection.
Pneumococcal disease is the term used to describe a range of illnesses such as pneumonia and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Patients with asthma have been found to be at higher risk of developing complications of pneumonia. Research shows that the pneumococcal vaccine gives protection to patients with asthma. Ask your GP about the pneumococcal vaccine.
