Risk factors are the personal characteristics and habits that may increase your chances of having a heart attack. Learn your family's medical history. Pneumococcal Disease Prevention Fall, specifically October and November, is the preferred time to protect yourself from illnesses such as pneumonia and influenza. You owe it to yourself, your family, and friends to get vaccinated to protect your good health this winter. Medicare Part B pays for these safe and effective vaccines against both of these serious diseases.
Pneumococcal disease is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in the United States.
Pneumococcal disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that infect the lungs, blood, and membranes of the brain, and spinal cord. The most common symptoms of pneumococcal disease are chills, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and severe cough. Some people may also experience vomiting or seizures. The flu is a contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory system. Symptoms associated with the flu can include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, and body aches.