Page last updated
14 October 2022
The symptoms of pneumococcal disease depend on the part of the body that is infected.
FAQ
What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease?
Pneumonia:
- Fever and chills
- Cough
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Chest pain
- Confusion/low alertness (in older adults)
Meningitis:
- Stiff neck
- Fever
- Headache
- Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light)
- Confusion
- Poor eating/drinking, low alertness and vomiting (in babies)
Bacteraemia:
- Fever
- Chills
- Low alertness
Sepsis:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- High heart rate
- Fever, shivering or feeling very cold
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Clammy or sweaty skin
Middle ear infection (otitis media):
- Ear pain
- Red, swollen ear drum
- Fever
- Sleepiness
Joints and bones (septic arthritis):
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
Sources & Citations
2. Better Health Channel. Pneumococcal disease. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/pneumococcal-disease (accessed 14 December 2021).
3. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal disease. Symptoms and complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/symptoms-complications.html (accessed 14 December 2021).
MAT-AU-2102489 Date of preparation March 2022
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