PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE
Pneumococcal pneumonia is an infectious, potentially serious bacterial lung disease. The most common bacterium that causes pneumococcal pneumonia is called Streptococcus pneumoniae¹. When the bacteria get into the lungs, they can cause some of the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) to become inflamed and filled with mucus. This is what causes pneumococcal pneumonia symptoms such as fever, chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing².
Pneumococcal pneumonia can take you out of your daily routine for several weeks. In severe cases, it requires hospitalisation and can even be life threatening².
MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS
Meningococcal meningitis is an infectious, potentially serious bacterial disease. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus³. When the bacteria infect the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, they can cause inflammation. This may lead to symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, or a rash⁴.
Meningococcal meningitis can progress quickly, with symptoms that may worsen within 24 to 48 hours⁵. In some cases, it can lead to serious outcomes, making it important to recognise symptoms early and seek medical advice when symptoms appear or become concerning⁴.
RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages⁶. Its symptoms may resemble a common cold, including a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing, or reduced appetite, which can make RSV less obvious in the early stages⁷.
RSV can affect people of all ages, but it may be more serious for babies under 6 months old and older adults aged 60 years and above. For these age groups, a cold-like illness may require closer attention, especially when symptoms involve changes in breathing or appetite⁶⁻⁸.
