Download National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

Contact Information:
Joanna Colbourne
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
http://www.nfid.org
(301) 656-0003
(202) 538-7072 (mobile)
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Experts Available for Interviews about Pneumonia
Bethesda, MD (September 12, 2016) - In response to reports of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s
recent pneumonia diagnosis, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has experts
available to discuss background information about pneumonia, including infectious disease specialist
William Schaffner, MD, NFID Medical Director and Professor of Preventive Medicine and Infectious
Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
According to Dr. Schaffner, presidential candidates have close contact with scores of people on a daily
basis, often in enclosed spaces. These are ideal environments for passing on respiratory viruses and
bacteria, including some that can cause pneumonia. Schaffner further noted that pneumonia is usually
treated quickly and effectively with antibiotics and that patients with mild pneumonia, especially someone
who adheres to a rigorous schedule, “can recover with antibiotics along with rest and hydration.”
Media Requests
William Schaffner, MD is available for interviews and can be reached at 212-886-2275 or via email to
[email protected].
About Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness throughout the world. It is caused by a
common type of bacteria, the pneumococcus, which can attack different parts of the body. Illnesses
caused by pneumococcus include pneumonia, meningitis, middle ear and sinus infections, and a
condition called sepsis, which is an infection of the bloodstream.
It is estimated that about one million US adults get pneumococcal pneumonia each year. About 5-7% of
them will die, and the death rate is even higher in those age 65 years and older. Fewer people will get
pneumococcal meningitis or bloodstream infection, but the mortality rate for these infections is even
higher.
Vaccines are available and are recommended for routine use in children, adults age 65 years and older,
and adults age 19 to 64 years with certain risk conditions. Still, many of those indicated have never
received a pneumococcal vaccine.
About the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in
1973 and dedicated to educating the public and healthcare professionals about the causes, treatment,
and prevention of infectious diseases across the lifespan.
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