The bacteria are spread from person to person by direct contact with an infected person's nose or throat secretions. In most cases pneumococcal disease is not easily spread from one person to another. However, on rare occasions, outbreaks have occurred in settings where people live or work very close together, such as day care centers and jails. Many people have bacteria that cause pneumococcal infections in their bodies without having symptoms. Babies, the elderly, or anyone with serious health problems such as, Hodgkin's disease, HIV, and sickle-cell anemia, are most likely to get the disease.
People living in crowded places are also at higher risk for infections.
Penicillin or other antibiotics are used to treat infected people. Pneumococcal bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. If you have a serious infection with pneumococcus, your doctor will run special tests to make sure you receive the right medication. Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor. Take all doses for the exact number of days they are prescribed.