Abstract
The emergence of new viral infections has increased over the decades. The novel virus is one such pathogen liable for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, popularly known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Most fatalities during the past century’s influenza pandemics have cooperated with bacterial co/secondary infections. Unfortunately, many reports have claimed that bacterial co-infection is also predominant in COVID-19 patients (COVID-19 associated co/secondary infection prevalence is up to 45.0%). In the COVID-19 pandemic, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common coinfecting pathogen. Half of the COVID-19 mortality cases showed co-infection, and pneumonia-related COVID-19 mortality in patients >65 years was 23%. The weakening of immune function caused by COVID-19 remains a high-risk factor for pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease and COVID-19 also have similar risk factors. For example, underlying medical conditions on COVID-19 and pneumococcal diseases increase the risk for severe illness at any age; COVID-19 is now considered a primary risk factor for pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease. Thus, pneumococcal vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic has become more critical than ever. This review presents positive studies of pneumococcal vaccination in patients with COVID-19 and other medical conditions and the correlational effects of pneumococcal disease with COVID-19 to prevent morbidity and mortality from co/secondary infections and superinfections. It also reports the importance and role of pneumococcal vaccination during the current COVID-19 pandemic era to strengthen the global health system.
Highlights
COVID-19 OutbreakThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in December 2019, and the World
The new viral infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, popularly known as COVID-19, has spread worldwide, becoming the most dangerous pandemic threatening the global health system over the decades
We found that most fatalities during the past century’s influenza pandemics were associated with bacterial co/secondary infections
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in December 2019, and the World. Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 [1]. As of 15 December 2021, over 270.7 million cases have been reported globally, with more than 5 million deaths in 192 countries and territories [2]. The COVID-19 pandemic remains a demanding public health challenge. The disease itself is an acute respiratory illness that causes a higher mortality rate in people older than 60 years and in those with underlying medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, and cancer
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