Streptococcus pneumoniae purulent pericarditis secondary to influenza A infection and pneumococcal pneumonia in an immunocompetent woman

A 44-year-old previously well woman presented with features of respiratory sepsis including a productive cough and fevers, with a recent preceding influenza-like illness. She was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia on chest radiograph, influenza infection via nasopharyngeal swab and Streptococcus pneumoniae bloodstream infection with associated purulent pericarditis. She was managed with pericardial drainage and concurrent treatment with antibiotics and made an excellent recovery. This case highlights the complications of both influenza and S. pneumoniae infections, and the importance of prevention via vaccination.