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pneumococcus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in the back of the nasal passages. Most people carry the bacteria, also called pneumococcus, for most of his life without incident. When the bacteria spread to other parts of the body or to other people with low sensitivity to this substance, infection can strattera side effects occur. When material enters the sterile places in the body such as blood, it can cause serious complications such as meningitis. Pneumonia is the most common disease caused by pneumococcus. Streptococcus pneumonia becomes dangerous when the immune system is weak and the bacteria spread through coughing. A cough releases pneumococcus more sensitive areas in the body or bacteria can be breathed in by others who are coughing it. The spread of pneumococcus most often found in communities where people gather such as schools, workplaces and fitness centers. Hospitals also are at increased risk for spread of bacteria. Symptoms of pneumonia may include fever, cough, sweating and chills. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that pneumonia symptoms often resemble flu symptoms that require people with increased risk of infection by streptococcus pneumonia to get tested immediately if they present with flulike symptoms. Additional symptoms that may indicate pneumonia include chest pain that changes with every breath, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Symptoms of meningitis include pallor, fever and sensitivity to light. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 90 different strains of streptococcus pneumonia exists. In 2000, infections caused by the virus were responsible for more than 100,000 hospitalizations for pneumonia and 6,000,000 cases of otitis media, infection of the inner ear. Seniors and children under 2 are at high risk for infection, as well as Indians, Alaska Native and black. Children in kindergarten and those with compromised immune systems also are at higher risk of infection due to pneumococcus. The most common prevention for people at risk of complications associated with pneumococcus vaccine is available that protects against the most virulent strains of 23 bacteria. In Alaska, all adults over 55 receive the vaccine, which led to a decrease in severity of the disease dramatically, according to CDC. Hand washing is an effective method of disease prevention, as well as hands are often in contact with pneumococcus, said doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Most doctors use antibiotics as first-line treatment of diseases caused by streptococcus pneumonia. At the same time, excessive use of antibiotics is a problem for health care professionals who are looking for ways to prevent complications from pneumococcus. People with severe symptoms, often requiring hospitalization intravenous antibiotics, oxygen and bed rest. Article reviews Ann Matera updated. August 13, 2011
