After lifting the mask mandate, many people have started to take off their masks and gradually drop their guard against diseases. However, there are high-risk infectious diseases other than COVID-19, such as pneumococcus that can cause various diseases. This pathogen is more likely to infect children under 2 years old and elderly people over 50 years old, and it may cause death in severe cases, so we must not take it lightly!

What is pneumococcus?

Pneumococcus (also known as Streptococcus pneumoniae) is a type of Gram-positive bacteria with over 100 serotypes, among which serotype 3 poses the greatest threat. After infection, the bacteria often remain latent in the nasal cavity. Once the immune system weakens, the bacteria can invade the respiratory tract or bloodstream, causing a variety of serious diseases, including otitis media, pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia and sepsis. Severe cases can lead to organ failure and even death.

Some specialists have pointed out that long-term mask-wearing during the pandemic has led to a decline in the body's immune system. After removing the mask, the body's protective barrier weakens, making it more susceptible to pneumococcal infections. If seniors are infected, the death rate can be as high as one-sixth, making it a disease that can never be overlooked.

Transmission of pneumococcus

Pneumococcus commonly resides in the nose and throat and is mainly transmitted through droplets produced by coughing and sneezing. Close contact with an infected person or touching contaminated objects can also lead to infection. During the peak season of flu or colds, pneumococcus is more likely to spread to others. It has an incubation period of about 1 to 3 days.

Diseases caused by pneumococcus

Pneumococcus can cause a variety of diseases, most commonly pneumonia. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, headache, chills, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. However, since the bacteria can spread to different parts of the body, it may cause various severe complications:

- Otitis media

Symptoms include fever, ear pain, or ear discharge. It can lead to hearing loss.

- Meningitis

Symptoms include fever, stiff neck, and confusion. It can lead to long-term hearing loss or even death.

- Bacteraemia and sepsis

Symptoms include joint pain, chills, rapid heartbeat and confusion. The fatality rate can be as high as 30%.

re:HEALTH

New Generation Pneumococcal 15‑Valent Conjugate Vaccine

Children and the elderly are at high risk of pneumococcal infection, which can lead to different complications. Medical experts have pointed out that its fatality rate can be as high as 47%. In Hong Kong, serotype 3 is prevalent, and it is estimated that eight times or more antibodies are needed to effectively protect against this serotype.

re:HEALTH has introduced a New Generation Pneumococcal 15-Valent Conjugate Vaccine that uses unique technology to effectively target serotype 3 and other serotypes of pneumococcus, making it the most effective way to prevent pneumococcal diseases. To avoid infection by this deadly bacteria, high-risk individuals should take preventive measures, undergo assessment, and receive vaccination as soon as possible.

-Effectively targets serotype 3 and builds a protective barrier

-Prevents 15 serotypes of pneumococcus (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, 33F)

-Generates 8 times or more antibodies

-Pneumococcal 15-Valent Conjugate Vaccine elicits 60% higher immunogenicity

-A single dose can generate protective efficacy lasting for more than 10 years

-Approved by the US FDA and EU

-Widely used in Western countries like the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia

-Suitable for infants and individuals aged 6 weeks or above

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