infections
Pneumococcal Infections
Risk factors
Certain conditions increase the risk of developing and the severity of pneumococcal infections: Chronic illnesses (such as heart and lung disorders, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) , and Alcohol Use None Disorders That Can Cause Immunodeficiency , such as Some Drugs That Can Cause Immunodeficiency , such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy Spleen Disorders and Immunodeficiency None Sickle Cell Disease None Residence in a long-term care facility Smoking and Other Tobacco Use None Aboriginal Australians, Alaskan natives, and certain groups of American Indians Influenza (Flu) and Also, older people, even if healthy, tend to have more severe symptoms and complications when they get a pneumococcal infection. 