PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA – AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR HEALTH

Wholesome meals. Plenty of exercise. Restful sleep. Staying active. You already know the basics of aging well in the second half of life.

But what you may not know is that it’s also important to take preventative measures to protect yourself from infectious diseases. These diseases can impact your ability to fully enjoy the pleasures life offers, like a leisurely game of tennis, visiting extended family, or travelling abroad.

That’s because, along with the advantages of getting older, there is also the disadvantage of a weakening immune system, which increases susceptibility to certain infections. 1 People over 50 are more susceptible to pneumococcal pneumonia, a serious but potentially preventable lung disease that can affect anyone, at any time. 2,3,4

Pneumonia remains a significant health concern in Canada. 5 Its most common bacterial form is pneumococcal pneumonia, and it can lead to hospitalization and even death2, but there are ways to help prevent infections/pneumonia.

“Getting older is a great privilege and offers many opportunities to look forward to, but it does come with the reality that our immune systems can weaken with age, making people more vulnerable to infection,” says Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System & University Health Network. “The threat that pneumococcal pneumonia can pose should be taken seriously as pneumonia remains a leading cause of death in Canada. The good news is that pneumococcal pneumonia may be prevented – by washing your hands, staying away from those who are sick and most importantly, getting vaccinated against this serious disease.”

Pneumococcal disease includes any infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It includes meningitis and sepsis, but the most common serious form is pneumococcal pneumonia. 6,7 While anyone can get pneumococcal pneumonia, older people and those with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases or compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to infection from these bacteria. 8

Like the flu, Streptococcus pneumoniae can be spread by coughing or sneezing. 9 Bacteria can also be spread through

the saliva of an infected person when common items such as beverage bottles, straws or eating utensils are shared.

Some symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia are a lot like the flu, including high fever, chills, coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pains. 7 In older adults however, typical symptoms may be absent and instead they may experience confusion or low alertness. 7 The disease can be debilitating and life threatening. 2 Those who recover after hospitalization for pneumonia may experience the lingering impact, such as difficulty performing daily activities, including walking, dressing and food preparation. 10

PREVENTION IS THE KEY

Fortunately, pneumococcal disease is an illness that you can, in many cases, help prevent.

Prevnar® 13 is a vaccine administered in adults with a single injection that can help protect against infection caused by 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. 11,12 It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies ready to attack any of those 13 bacterial strains should you come in contact with them.

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all Canadians 65+ should be given Pneumovax 23 vaccine as part of a routine immunization program to help protect themselves against pneumococcal disease. On an individual basis, for adults 65 and over who have not been previously vaccinated, if immunization with Prevnar 13 is being considered, Prevnar 13 is given first, followed by Pneumovax 23. For immunocompromised individuals, NACI recommends immunization with Prevnar 13 vaccine followed by Pneumovax 23. Pneumovax 23 protects against the following types of pneumococcus bacteria: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19A, 19F, 20, 22F, 23F, 33F. Prevnar 13 protects against the following types of pneumococcus bacteria: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F.11 Individuals should speak to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse to understand what would be best for them.

Protecting yourself from pneumococcal pneumonia doesn’t begin or end with immunization.

There are a number of other things you can do to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. Not smoking is, of course, number one. Thorough and frequent hand washing and using antibacterial alcoholbased gels and wipes are helpful. So is a healthy lifestyle that includes wholesome food, exercise and adequate, restful sleep. 13

Taking preventative measures to protect ourselves against pneumococcal disease is the responsibility of all Canadians and an important step you and your loved ones can take for your health. Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to see if Prevnar® 13 is right for you.

People over 50 are more susceptible to pneumonia, a serious but potentially preventable lung disease that can affect anyone, at any time