Almost two-in-three at-risk Australians aged 15-to-64 are failing to protect against an often fatal lung infection, according to new Australian-first research released today.
Spearheaded by the University of Sydney’s Family Medicine Research Centre and based on GP data involving 2,500 patients nation-wide, the research reveals poor vaccination rates among younger Australians, many of whom are at increased risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia – a severe form of pneumonia caused by bacteria – compared with those aged 65 years and over.
Doctors are joining forces with patients this Pneumonia Awareness Week (July 2 – 8), to call for preventative action to curb pneumococcal infection rates this winter.
According to Professor Robert Booy, Head of Clinical Research at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), Sydney, this research reinforces the dangers associated with pneumococcal pneumonia, particularly during the colder months.
“Pneumonia-like illness is one of the top 10 contributing causes of deaths in Australia. The most recent statistics reveal that in one year, more females died from pneumonia than males, with 1,303 female deaths compared to 1,019 male deaths.
“Worryingly, this research reveals vaccination coverage is low among people aged 15-to-64 years who are at-risk of pneumococcal pneumonia, including people living with diabetes, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease and tobacco smokers,” said Prof Booy. “In addition, one of the most commonly cited factors associated with low vaccination rates among high-risk groups is patient objection, particularly among those aged 65 years and older. But if only these people recognised the fact that they are at such high risk, they would get vaccinated. “This finding is also particularly concerning, given the number of new cases of pneumococcal pneumonia each year rises exponentially between the ages of 50 and 80 years,” Prof Booy said.
The bacteria that causes pneumococcal pneumonia, known as Streptococcus pneumoniae, is responsible for approximately 1.6 million deaths per year world-wide, claiming more lives than any other single bacteria. “Streptococcus pneumoniae is a very cunning organism, which can be spread by touching an infected person and through infected droplets in the air from a cough or sneeze,” said Prof Booy.
“There are ways to protect yourself against pneumococcal pneumonia, including vaccination,” according to Adelaide GP and Director of the Influenza Specialist Group, Dr Rod Pearce AM. “To avoid the spread of infection practising good hygiene is vital – regular hand-washing, keeping household surfaces clean, and learning to recognise the symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia, including rapid or difficulty breathing, cough, fever, chills or loss of appetite.”
Entertainer and presenter, Patti Newton, was unaware of the severity of pneumonia until the illness struck her husband of 38 years, Bert, last winter. “At first Bert was displaying flu-like symptoms, including a persistent cough. Then he began struggling to breathe.” After observing her husband’s declining health, Patti convinced him to see their local doctor. “I kept urging Bert to visit the doctor because I knew something wasn’t right. “Our local GP sent Bert directly to hospital emergency, where specialists diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs. The pneumonia was obstructing Bert’s airways. He was sent straight to intensive care and hooked up to all sorts of equipment. It was incredibly frightening,” Patti said. Patti is now committed to heightening community awareness and understanding of pneumonia. “Many people incorrectly liken pneumonia to the flu. But once pneumonia takes hold of you, it’s very hard to shake. It’s a serious and often life-threatening infection that requires certain preventative measures. “People at increased risk of pneumonia should speak to their doctor about ways to protect themselves against pneumococcal pneumonia. Bert has been vaccinated, to reduce his risk of contracting pneumococcal pneumonia, and I’m about to have one too,” said Patti.
According to Dr Pearce, while pneumococcal pneumonia can affect anyone, some people are at heightened risk of contracting the infection. “Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended in Australia for infants, patients aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, tobacco smokers and high-risk people aged 10–64 years, including those with impaired immunity, and those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease and chronic kidney disease. “GPs can diagnose pneumococcal pneumonia with a variety of tests, including a physical examination, chest X-ray, phlegm test, blood test and a urine test,” Dr Pearce said. During normal respiration, air travels through the lungs to the alveoli or air sacs. Pneumococcal pneumonia is the result of the air sacs filling with fluids, most commonly caused by bacteria obstructing normal air flow.
Single mother, Melody, 38, from Melbourne, recently contracted pneumonia from her eight-year-old daughter. “I’m young, fit and healthy with no underlying medical conditions, so I never considered myself to be a candidate for pneumonia, and I had no idea of its severity.” In March 2012, Melody’s daughter, Rowdy, was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia after presenting to her doctor with a thick, phlegm-like cough and fever. After undergoing a chest X-ray, Rowdy was prescribed medication, fluids and lots of rest. To monitor her wellbeing over night, Rowdy slept next to her mother. Following Rowdy’s recovery, Melody returned to her normal routine, soon after which she collapsed, marking the start of her personal fight against bacterial pneumonia. “I was freezing cold and aching all over. My temperature was fluctuating between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius for five days straight. It’s the worst I’ve ever physically felt,” Melody said. “I was admitted to hospital for a series of intravenous antibiotics after a chest X-ray revealed a bacterial pneumonia infection. “Since the ordeal, I’ve been running on 70 per cent energy and am taking a minimum six-to-12 month road to full recovery,” said Melody.
Laverty pathology 