Twitter Facebook
MYTHS vs. FACTS​
Get the right information about pneumococcal pneumonia.
MYTHS vs. FACTS​
Get the right information about pneumococcal pneumonia.

Here are some key facts you need to know about pneumococcal pneumonia.​

65 Or Older? Even If You Are Healthy, You Are Still At Risk1,2​
Learn more
It Is Not A Common Cold3
Learn more
It Is Infectious.4 It Can Be Caught Anytime, Anywhere6
Learn more
You Cannot Catch Pneumococcal Pneumonia Through Vaccination​7
Learn more
The Impact Of Symptoms May Last For Days To Months5^
Learn more
Chronic Conditions Like COPD, Asthma, Diabetes Increase Your Risk1,2
Learn more

COPD= Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

*Risk is dependent on individual risk profile. (healthy; adults included those without evidence of any high-risk or at-risk condition, at risk; adults included those who were immunocompetent with 1 or more chronic medical conditions or high risk ; adults included those who were immunocompromised or had a cochlear implant)1

^Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most common pathogens found in community acquired pneumonia (CAP)8

References
1. P Pelton.SI, et al. Decline in Pneumococcal Disease Attenuated in Older Adults and Those With Comorbidities Following Universal Childhood PCV13 Immunization. CID 2019;68(11):1831–8
2. Shea KM, et al. Rates of Pneumococcal Disease in Adults With Chronic Medical Conditions. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2014 May 27;1(1):ofu024
3. National heart and lung and blood institute -Pneumonia 2016 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pneumonia (accessed 6th Aug 2020)
4. CDC Pink Book 13th edition 2015 Principal of Vaccination updated June2020, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/prinvac.html (accessed 6th Aug 2020)
5. Wyrwich .WK, et al. Observational longitudinal study of symptom burden and time for recovery from community-acquired pneumonia reported by older adults surveyed nationwide using the CAP Burden of Illness Questionnaire. Patient Related Outcome Measures 2015:6 215–223
6. American Lung association. https://www.lung.org/blog/you-can-still-get-pneumonia-in-summer#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20pneumococcal%20pneumonia%20can,pneumonia%20is%20called%20pneumococcal%20pneumonia (Accessed 6th Aug 2020)
7. CDC Pink Book 13th edition 2015 Principal of Vaccination updated June2020, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/prinvac.html (accessed 6th Aug 2020)
8. Jain.S, et al. Community-Acquired Pneumonia Requiring Hospitalization among U.S. Adults N Engl J Med 2015;373:415-27.

Home

About Pneumonia

Am I At Risk?

What Can I Do?

Did You Know?

Supported by unconditional educational grant from

Copyright 2021 Malaysian Thoracic Society​ (PPM-017-14-24121987)

​This website content is issued by Malaysian Thoracic Society in public interest​

​The content and images appearing on this website may contain general information relating to healthcare, some of which may concern medical conditions and their treatment which should not be construed as a substitute for medical advice, judgment, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. The content of the website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health condition or problem. Consult your treating physician, medical practitioner or licensed physician for guidance on the information stated herein or further information on the subject. Use of this website does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship. While due care and caution has been taken to ensure that the content here is free from mistakes or omissions, Malaysian Thoracic Society makes no representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of its contents. You agree that neither Malaysian Thoracic Society nor any party is or will be liable for any damages, adverse events, and personal liability arising from any decision you make, or any action taken or not taken due to your use of information presented on this website.​

Please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Malaysian Thoracic Society, Suite 3B-15,7, Level 15, Block 3B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.​

Myth

If you take care of yourself and are in good health, you’re not at risk.​

Fact

At 65 or older, the risk of hospitalization with pneumococcal pneumonia is at least 6X* greater than healthy adults aged 18–49.1​

Pneumococcal vaccination can help protect you.3

Myth

What’s the big deal? Pneumococcal pneumonia is like the common cold.

Fact

Pneumococcal pneumonia is not a common cold.3 Unlike a common cold, pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by bacteria.3 Some symptoms like fever and chill can appear suddenly,4 and it can take weeks for symptoms to cure.5

Myth

You can only catch pneumococcal pneumonia in cold places, in cold seasons.​

Fact

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious3 bacterial lung infection3 you can catch anywhere, any time of the year.6

Myth

Getting vaccinated can cause pneumococcal pneumonia.​

Fact

Pneumococcal vaccines do not contain live bacteria and so can not replicate.7 Therefore, you can’t catch pneumococcal pneumonia by getting vaccinated.7

Myth

If you catch it, you’ll bounce back in no time.

Fact

With pneumococcal pneumonia, it may take weeks before you resume your full productivity at work or usual activities.5^ The fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath may take weeks to resolve.5^​

Myth

If your health issues are under control, you’re not at increased risk.

Fact

Certain chronic conditions like COPD, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes can increase your risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.1,2