Are you at risk for pneumonia?
By Sally Wyatt
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can affect anyone at any time, but like a cold or flu, it is more prevalent in winter. Pneumonia is a serious condition that can start quickly and affect one or both lungs and is particularly dangerous for the young and elderly.
Any condition that weakens your immune system can make you more susceptible to pneumonia, which is why the infection can develop when you have the flu. That’s why getting an annual flu vaccination can also help you avoid pneumonia. The 201920 flu season is in full swing now and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that the number of hospitalizations and deaths attributed to this season’s flu is right on par with previous influenza seasons.
Ask anyone who has suffered through the flu and they will say there is nothing average about it. Want to avoid the pain and suffering from flu, or the risk of getting pneumonia? Get the vaccines.
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age or older.
How will you know if you have the pneumonia? Mild symptoms can be similar to those of a cold or flu. You may have heard the term “walking pneumonia,” which means having a case so mild that you feel well enough to be out walking around. More serious indicators include chest pain when you breathe or cough, fever, sweating and shaking chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a cough that may produce phlegm. If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain and a persistent fever of 102 F or higher, see your doctor right away. Severe cases of pneumonia require hospitalization and in some instances can be fatal.
While pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or even by irritants such as smoke and chemicals, the most common form is the bacterial infection called pneumococcal pneumonia. Many people think of pneumonia as a condition patients acquire while they are hospitalized or living in longterm care facilities or nursing homes. But the most common form of pneumonia is “community-acquired pneumonia” — an infection you acquire while going about your daily routine. And, it can develop as a secondary condition if you have a severe cold or case of the flu.
To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. If you have pneumonia, your lungs may make crackling or bubbling sounds when you inhale. A chest X-ray can confirm the diagnosis. Rest and a course of antibiotics may be all you need. Recovery from pneumonia depends on your age, your health and the severity of the disease. A young, healthy person may get back to normal within a week of beginning treatment. People middle-aged or older may find it takes them weeks to regain their strength and sense of well-being.
If you are older than 65 and have other health problems, such as COPD, heart failure, asthma, diabetes, or a severe illness that reduces the amount of oxygen getting to your tissues, you may be hospitalized for treatment. You can reduce your risk of getting pneumonia by practicing good oral hygiene, hand washing frequently, and getting vaccinated. Two vaccines are available specifically for pneumococcal pneumonia and are highly recommended for children younger than 5 and adults 65 and older. People of any age who are at risk of developing pneumonia due to other health conditions should also get vaccinated.