Traditionally, only patients over age 65 (seniors) or at high risk for the development of pneumonia have been advised to receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which prevents bacterial pneumonia and meningitis. However, the CDC is now also recommending that smokers receive the vaccine.

The CDC’s recommendation comes on the heels of studies that show that smokers are about four times as likely to become infected with pneumococcal disease as non-smokers are. It is thought that the damage caused by smoking creates an environment in the lungs that makes smokers more likely to succumb to pneumonia.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can cause symptoms such as high fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The illness can also cause severe myalgia (muscle aches) and fatigue. People who have pneumococcal pneumonia generally feel very ill.

A diagnosis of pneumonia is made on the basis of signs and symptoms which may be revealed during a physical exam, and on x-ray results, which can display a unique characteristic when the patient has pneumonia. Blood tests may also indicate whether or not a bacterial infection is present. Treatment is aimed at eradicating the organism through the use of antibiotics. Patients generally will feel much improved within 72 hours of starting an appropriate antibiotic.

Although the CDC panel has made a recommendation for smokers to receive the vaccine, members of the panel also stressed that smoking cessation should still be an important priority.

Related Links:

· The Real Cost of Smoking from illumistream health

· Pneumococcal Pneumonia from MedicineNet

· CDC Advisory Panel Recommendations from Medical News Today