Swine Flu Raises Risk of Pneumococcal infections

Boston (DbTechNo) - According to the CDC, people with swine flu are also at risk of developing a number of severe bacterial infections including pneumonia.

According to CDC officials, Streptococcus pneumoniae, a microbe carried in the nose and throat is responsible for the risk of blood infections which can be fatal if left untreated.

These infections generally occur in the elderly, but CDC officials are reporting cases in many age demographics.

They are also noting a considerable increase in positive cases from years past, more evidence that the swine flu is partially to blame.

“In previous pandemics, there has been an increase in pneumococcal infections in younger people,” said Anne Schuchat, a physician at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There is a vaccine to protect us from Pneumococcal infections but millions of Americans have not received it, leaving them at risk.

“I strongly urge people to sort out whether you’re in one of those high-risk groups and talk to your doctor or ask your pharmacist whether you can be vaccinated,” Schuchat stated.