It looks like I will be staying here for a few more nights, as I have picked up a bit of a nasty bug called pneumococcus.
This is something I have been immunised against, so we aren't sure how or where I got it. I'm doing ok, but need strong antibiotics for a few more days.
I've had Mum stay with me, so far, but tonight... it's Dad and I. It's a Boy's Night.
- Pneumococcal disease refers to a range of illnesses that affect various parts of the body and are caused by infection with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus.
- Illnesses range from mild infections, such as ear infection, to pneumonia and life-threatening infections of the bloodstream and central nervous system, such as meningitis. Immunisation can substantially reduce the risk of infection, especially in young children.
- Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness and death among Australian children under two years of age and persons over 85 years of age.
- Pneumococcal disease is also an important cause of pneumonia in adults 65 years of age or over. Older people are especially at risk of death from this disease.
- It is estimated to kill around one million people worldwide every year.
**I don't have meningitis. A lumbar puncture eliminated that concern.
I have been immunised against this.