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How can I manage pneumococcal infection in my infant?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My three-month-old baby has a fever, is very fussy, and has a poor appetite. I have also noticed faster breathing than usual.

  1. Could this be a sign of a pneumococcal infection?

  2. How serious is this in infants?

  3. What treatments are recommended?

  4. Are there vaccines that can protect him in the future?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Yes, it could be a pneumococcal infection. Due to the difficulty in breathing, your child might require hospital admission. He might need to do a chest X-ray, given oxygen if the oxygen saturation is low. Also, he might require antibiotics. There are vaccines available like pneumococcal vaccine about three doses for children, also influenza vaccines. This will help prevent pneumococcal infection. However other preventive methods include avoiding indoor cooking, ensuring a well-ventilated apartment, and preventing your child from getting in contact with a sick child or adult.

The probable causes:

  1. Common in children.

  2. Lack of vaccination.

  3. Contact with someone coughing.

Investigations to be done: Chest X-ray.

Differential diagnosis: Bronchiolitis (hyperactive airway disease).

Probable diagnosis: Bronchopneumonia.

Treatment plan:

  1. Hospital admission.

  2. Intranasal oxygen if desaturated.

  3. IV (intravenous) antibiotics.

Preventive measures:

  1. Ensure vaccination.

  2. Well aerated rooms.

  3. Avoid contact with sick individuals.

I hope I have answered your query.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At January 24, 2025
Reviewed At June 17, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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