How to Prevent Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There are more than 30 different causes of pneumonia, which are grouped by the cause. There are four main types:

Bacterial pneumonia is caused by various bacteria, the most common of which is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Viral pneumonia is caused by various viruses, including the flu. It accounts for about one-third of all pneumonia cases. You may be more likely to get bacterial pneumonia if you have viral pneumonia.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Because it has somewhat different symptoms and physical signs, it is referred to as atypical pneumonia.

Other pneumonias are other less common pneumonias that may be caused by other infections including fungi.

The good news is you can prevent pneumonia by taking these simple but effective steps:

Get a flu shot every year. The flu is a common cause of pneumonia, so preventing the flu is a good way to prevent pneumonia.

Wash your hands frequently. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Don’t smoke. Smokers have been found to be at higher risk of getting pneumonia; that’s why experts recommend that smokers get the pneumococcal vaccine.

Practice other good health habits. Pneumonia often follows respiratory infections, so be aware of any symptoms that linger more than a few days. Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Make sure to manage existing health conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes and heart disease.

Consult your doctor for more information on pneumonia and pneumococcal vaccines.

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.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia. Accessed 29 July 2022
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pneumonia. Accessed 29 July 2022
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm. Accessed 29 July 2022
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/preventing-pneumonia.Accessed 29 July 2022