The study, led by CDC researchers, included 228 patients diagnosed with invasive pneumococcal disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, and 301 subjects who were not infected. Investigators surveyed study participants, aged 18 through 64, on a variety of topics including smoking behavior, chronic illness, environmental and occupational exposures, and socioeconomic factors. Smokers faced a four-fold increase in their risk of pneumococcal infection, compared to those who had never smoked and were not regularly exposed to cigarette smoke. The researchers estimated that among 18 to 64 year olds, roughly half of the pneumococcal disease cases could be attributed to smoking and 17 percent attributed to passive smoking. The disease results in approximately 125,000 adult hospitalizations every year.
Vaccination is another important step in helping to prevent the disease.
The study authors suggested combining pneumococcal vaccination with smoking cessation programs to most effectively reduce the danger of pneumococcal infection. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.