Pneumococcal Infections and COVID: Double the Trouble?

While the mass roll-out of vaccines has put the world on the way to overcoming COVID-19, there is still a concern about the link between pneumococcal infections and COVID-19. Can COVID-19 and pneumococcal infections occur together? How can people avoid them? Learn more here.

Pneumococcal Infections and COVID: Can a COVID-19 Infection Cause a Pneumococcal Co-Infection?

As children, we were all taught to wait our turn and have good manners. Unfortunately, pathogens don’t play by these rules. In general, any viral respiratory infection or other illnesses can increase the risk of bacterial infections. Therefore, a viral infection such as COVID-19 can happen together with a pneumococcal infection — diseases caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, such as pneumonia¹.

Why Does This Occur?

Typically, a weakened or compromised immune system makes people more vulnerable to infections. Lack of sleep, poor diet, and high stress levels are just a few things that can weaken our immune system. People with chronic diseases such as diabetes or cancer are often considered immunocompromised².

Exposure to viruses and bacteria happens through contact with contaminated objects, air, or infected individuals. When someone with a weakened immune system is exposed to these things, pathogens have an easier time getting into the body and cause an infection.

When a certain pathogen enters the body, it makes it easier for other pathogens to follow — much like leaving a door open. This is why health organizations encourage precautions such as social distancing and mask-wearing. These measures not only help prevent the spread of disease but protect infected individuals from getting more sick³.

Before COVID-19 existed, influenza and pneumococcal infections were the duo to watch out for¹. However, now that COVID-19 has taken the stage, how does it relate to S. pneumoniae infections? What is the connection between pneumococcal infections and COVID?

While available data on COVID-19 and pneumococcal co-infections show a lower number of cases compared to influenza and pneumococcal co-infections, it is associated with higher fatalities⁴.

In addition, there is evidence^{5 6} that shows those who had the pneumonia vaccine experienced some benefits against severe COVID-19 infection.

In a study by Lewnard et al, the authors observed that among the adults aged 65 or older who received the pneumonia vaccine, there was an association with lower risk of COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization and death. Preliminary data from an observational study by Pawlowski et al had similar findings between receiving the pneumonia vaccine and lower COVID-19 rates. 

While these studies are still inconclusive, there may be some hope against serious infection for those who can’t get their COVID-19 vaccines just yet.

How Is Regular Pneumonia Different From COVID-19 Pneumonia?

While a weakened immune system can allow viruses and bacteria a window of opportunity to attack our body, that doesn’t mean they go undetected for long. A common symptom such as a cough occurs partly because our body is trying to prevent a particle or pathogen. It can be hard to determine the culprit of an illness like pneumonia unless a physician diagnoses you.

Common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia⁷ and COVID-19 pneumonia⁸ include:

The key to differentiating between pneumococcal pneumonia and COVID-19 pneumonia is by looking at progression of the illness and other non-respiratory signs and symptoms.

In the case of the COVID-19 virus, symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Aside from the common symptoms of pneumonia, those with COVID-19 may also experience fatigue, diarrhea, and loss of taste or smell. In addition, many report their cough to be dry or non-productive.

For pneumococcal pneumonia, chest pain is common along with confusion in older adults. The incubation period is much shorter than COVID-19, with symptoms showing within 1 to 3 days after exposure. Productive cough with phlegm or sputum is more common with bacterial pneumonia⁷.

In terms of treatment, COVID-19 pneumonia and regular pneumonia are very different. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, while bacterial pneumonia can.

Key Takeaway

Since the threat of COVID-19 first appeared, scientists have been working hard to make vaccines available to all⁹. The pneumonia vaccine has been available for decades and is one of the routine vaccines for children. It is also effective at preventing pneumococcal infections in those with chronic diseases or compromised immunity.

Worried about pneumococcal infections and COVID happening together? Use our risk assessment tool today to find out if you are at risk. 

Learn more about pneumonia here.