Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection of the lungs. In the Philippines, pneumonia is the third leading cause of death across all ages and is the most common cause of death among children under 5 years of age.
Here are five facts about pneumonia that you should know:
One of the serious complications of the flu is pneumonia. Getting your annual flu shot is the best way to reduce your risk from the flu and pneumonia.
At-risk individuals should also get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all children younger than 5 years old and all adults 65 years or older. In certain situations, other children and adults should also get pneumococcal vaccines.
While some people are at higher risk than others, anyone can get pneumonia. Common symptoms of pneumonia include fever, wheezing, cough, chills, rapid breathing, chest pains, loss of appetite, and malaise (a general feeling of weakness or ill health).
Over 30 different germs such as bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause pneumonia. Understanding the cause of pneumonia is important because treatment depends on its cause.
Pneumonia can cause serious illness that can cause death. Complications from pneumonia include respiratory failure, sepsis and lung abscess. Pneumonia complications are more likely to affect older adults, young children, those with a weakened immune system and people with other medical problems.
Wash your hands. Follow a healthy diet. Get adequate rest. Exercise regularly. Don’t smoke. These are all habits that can help you from getting sick from bacteria, viruses and other causes of respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. Good health habits also promote fast recovery when you do get sick.
Consult your doctor for more information on pneumonia.
Shop at Watsons for your vitamins, supplements, prescription medications, and other essential healthcare needs. Flu and Pneumonia vaccines are also available. Check Watsons vaccination schedules now!
References: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pneumonia. Accessed 23 September 2022 http://www.pidsphil.org/home/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/003_vol-22-no-2_SANTOS_PNEUMONIA.pdf. Accessed 23 September 2022 https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/five-facts-you-should-know. Accessed 23 September 2022 https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/public/index.html. Accessed 23 September 2022
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