Nickname: Strep pneumo

Morphology: Lancet-shaped gram-postive cocci in pairs, usually surrounded by a capsule

Habitat: Normal flora in the mouth, nose and throat of humans

Disease or illness: Ear infections and sinus infections; very serious infections of the lung (pneumonia), bloodstream (bacteremia), spinal column (meningitis), and the lining of the heart (endocarditis)

Who is at risk: Children under 3 years of age, the elderly, and persons with heart or lung disease

Prevention: A vaccine is available for persons at high risk of infection (the pneumonia vaccine)

“I’m snotty and naughty”