Bacteria can invade your lungs and cause serious infections like Pneumonia
all about?

The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is also known as the 'pneumo bug', is a major cause of infectious disease and death around the world.

Normally these bugs are harmless and many people will carry them at the back of their throats without experiencing any problems. However; when the bugs overcome the body's natural defences and invade the lungs or blood, serious diseases can occur

Invasion by the pneumo bug of the tiny air sacs which are found deep in the lungs can result in pneumonia. And it the bugs enter the bloodstream they can cause septicaemia, more commonly known as blood poisoning

The pneumo bug can also infect the central nervous system and the heart valves as well as bones and joints. This severe form of pneumococcal infection usually affects the elderly and young children under the age of 5.

If the bugs spread to other parts of the body they can cause diseases such as pleurisy and meningitis. In young children, sinusitis and ear infection can also occur as a result of the pneumo bug.
against pneumococcal infection

Basically there are two ways in which we defend ourselves from infection and disease:

Firstly, we have a range of physical defences which prevent bacteria, including the 'pneumo bug', from entering our bodies.

Secondly, we have a powerful immune system which helps fight off infection once our bodies have been invaded.

1. Physical defences:

- hairs in the nose stop bugs from entering the body via the airways

- sticky mucus in the nasal passage traps bugs and carries them to where they can be destroyed, usually by swallowing

- coughing expels bugs from the body

- tiny hairs called cilia line the windpipe and prevent bugs from reaching the air sacs in the lungs

2. Immune defences:

- antibodies in the blood attack foreign bodies like bacteria

- white blood cells 'eat' foreign bodies
- the spleen filters and clears the blood of any foreign bodies

If any of these defences are not working as they should, the pneumo bug has a greater chance of invading the body and causing serious disease.

Any type of chronic heart disease can affect the way the body defends itself.

the body's defences

The heart, as you know, is the organ responsible for pumping blood around our bodies. In patients with any form of chronic heart disease, the heart cannot pump blood out of the lungs as quickly or as effectively as it should. Because of this There is a build up of fluid at the boffom of the lungs.

The pneumo bug thrives in fluid where it can grow and multiply rapidly. The bugs can then easily overcome the body's immune system leading to serious infection and disease.


Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself

Although intections caused by the pneumo bug can be treated with antibiotics, these aren't always effective as the bug is becoming more resistant to this type of therapy.

A more sensible approach to pneumococcal infections is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.


That's why The Department of health recommends:









What do I do if I get a cold?
Colds are viral infections which can last for 7-14 days. Typical symptoms are a temperature, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, minor aches and pains and tiredness. Cold viruses do not respond to antibiotics. The best way to treat them is to rest, make sure you have plenty of hot drinks and take paracetamol. Remember drinks such as Lemsip' contain paracetamol and you must be careful not to exceed the maximum daily dosage. Keep your room well ventilated.


What do I do if I get flu?
Like the common cold, flu is a viral illness, but it is usually more severe and progresses more quickly. Typical symptoms include sudden onset of chills, high fever, headache, aching limbs, sore throat, cough and a general feeling of weakness. You may feel ill and have a temperature for up to a week. You could feel weak and low in spirits for a week or two longer than this.
If you get the flu this winter, it's best to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat what you can. There is no cure for flu. Antibiotics don't help unless there are complications, but a painkiller such as paracetamol or aspirin will help reduce your temperature and relieve headache and muscle pains. Remember to follow the instructions on the medicine label and ensure you do not give asprin to children under 12 years.
If your temperature does not settle atter 4 - 5 days, if your condition deteriorates, if you think you are seriously ill, or if u develope chest pain or become short of breath, you should call NHS Direct for advice on 0845 4647 or contact your doctor' s surgery.

How do I cure a cough?
To help ease a cough suck boiled sweets or sip honey & lemon drinks, stop smoking, avoid smoky places and use extra pillows at night. Always remember to cover your mouth when you cough to avoid spreading germs.


What should I do if I get diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is caused by various viral infections or by eating food that has gone off or is not cooked properly. To treat diarrhoea, stop eating any dairy products and take frequent drinks of clear fluid, eg very dilute squashes or apple juice. Babies should be given oral rehydration solution-a mixture of salt and glucose-to replace lost salts-ask your pharmacist about this. As the diarrhoea lessens, gradually try more solid food, such as grated apple or carrots, lean meat, dry bread or crackers. If diarrhoea returns go back to taking fluids only.


How do I treat vomiting?
It is best for the first couple of hours to allow the stomach to settle and do not eat or drink anything. Then begin with little sips of water or very dilute fruit juices. If this stays down and you feel hungry, try some clear soup then switch slowly to more solid food like toast. Avoid dairy products, meat and fatry foods.


What can I do to cure earache?
Earache often follows a nose or throat infection such as a cold. Most ear infections clear up on their own but you can help relieve the symptoms by taking painkillers, using extra pillows in bed, wrapping a warm hot water bottle in a towel and placing over the ear and staying away from smoky places. Don't bother to give decongestants as they will not help. Never poke any objects-such as cotton buds- into the ear.

Best way to what's the get rid of a headache?
Take pain killers-taking care not to exceed the maximum daily dose, make sure you have enough fresh air-avoid smoky places and keep your rooms well ventilated and make sure you get enough rest at night.


How can I ease a sore throat?
Most sore throats are caused by viruses which do not respond to antibiotics and clear up themselves within a week. The best way to soothe a sore throat is to gargle with a hot solution of salty water or suck throat lozenges which are available from your pharmacist.


Remember-if you want advice about any health problem, you can call NHS Direct the NHS 24 hour help line.

Telephone 0845 46 47.

You should contact your GP if symptoms become severe or persist for more than 3 or 4 days.

I'd like to thank Calderdale and Kirklees Health Authority.