Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause infections of the ears, sinuses or lungs.
It can also cause more serious infections of the blood or brain. This type of infection is called IPD. It can lead to brain damage, blood stream infections or death.
Each year, approximately 3,000 cases of IPD are reported in Canada. Most are among the very young (those under the age of 5) or the elderly (those 65 and older).
Bacteria like the pneumococcal bacteria can become resistant to the drugs we normally use to treat infections. When this happens, it is harder to treat the infection. For this reason, prevention is very important.
The best way to prevent IPD infection is by getting a pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine is safe and effective.
Services and information
Causes
Causes of the disease, how it's spread, and where it's found.
Symptoms
Main symptoms, what to look for and what to do if you become ill.
Risks
What the risks are and who is most at risk.
Treatment
How the disease is diagnosed and treatment options.
Prevention
How the disease can be prevented, vaccine information and additional measures.
Surveillance
How the disease is monitored.
Health Professionals
Disease description, epidemiology, publications and resources.