Be wary of pneumonia this time of year

There were 24,000 Canadians hospitalized with pneumonia in 2010 and about 400 or 500 of those were in Alberta, says the Lung Association of Alberta and the N.W.T

Seniors are most at risk and because we have an aging population the numbers are expected to increase dramatically in future, said Nina Snyder, chief operations officer for the organization.

As we age our immune system weakens, making us more susceptible. Those who already have an existing chronic lung disease, or are smokers, are at even greater risk.

So at this time of year, when we are very much aware of influenza, we should also be thinking about pneumonia and how to protect ourselves.

We see more influenza and pneumonia cases in the fall, winter and spring. This is the time of year when we like to stay indoors, in close confines with others, making it easier for illnesses to spread.

“Lung disease is significantly debilitating .... Pneumonia is often the trigger,” said Snyder.

In spite of antibiotics it is still possible to die from pneumonia.

“Those who do recover after hospitalization for pneumonia, often live with the lingering impact, breathing capacity and energy level,” said Snyder.

About 60 per cent of those discharged from hospital after treatment for pneumonia are either re-hospitalized or die within five years, said Snyder.

There are two different types of pneumonia vaccine and your family doctor is the best person to help you determine which is right for you, she explained.

“The flu vaccine can help prevent pneumonia caused by the flu virus. And an inoculation with the pneumococcal vaccine offers protection against bacterial pneumonia that can lead to complications, a hospital stay or even death,” says the website for the Lung Association. “Pneumococcal vaccinations help protect you against pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the membrane surrounding your brain and spinal cord).”

If you are more than 65 years old and are a resident in Alberta there is no charge through the community health centres.

The vaccine is no guarantee but it is “significantly better than nothing,” said Snyder. “It does help to lessen the symptoms if not prevent them entirely.”

Alberta Health Services (AHS) revised its advisory on pneumonia vaccines in September 2018. It can be found at albertahealthservices.ca.

More information is also available at ab.lung.ca/pneumonia

Here’s to staying well this season, getting appropriate immunizations to protect yourself and those around you, and here’s To Your Health.

To Your Health is a weekly column by Gillian Slade, health reporter for the News, bringing you news on health issues and research from around the world. You can reach her at gslade@medicinehatnews.com or 403-528-8635.