Top 5 facts about pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection which may affect either one or both lungs. It can be caused due to bacteria, virus or fungi. Both bacterial and viral pneumonia are contagious, which means they can spread from an infected person to a healthy person. However, one can contract fungal pneumonia from the environment, but this does not spread from person to person. Here's are 5 important facts about pneumonia that you should know about this serious illness.

1. Anyone can get pneumonia


While, some people are at a greater risk of contracting pneumonia, almost anyone can get pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia may vary from person to person but the most common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, rapid breathing, chest pain, loss of appetite and general body weakness. If you are concerned you might have pneumonia, contact your doctor immediately.

2. Pneumonia can be deadly


The disease causes more than a million hospitalizations and almost 50,000 deaths each year and is more common than you think. Pneumonia can be very serious and may even cause death when there is concomitant development of certain respiratory complications such as pleural effusion, sepsis, lung abscess and respiratory failure. Older adults, young children, those with a weakened immune system and people with other medical problems are most likely to develop such complications.

3. High risk population for pneumonia

As mentioned above anyone can get pneumonia, but certain groups do have a higher risk. These include-

4. Vaccination can prevent pneumonia

Flu is one of the most common cause of pneumonia and preventing flu is a good way to prevent pneumonia as well. Getting an annual flu shot will safeguard you against seasonal influenza (flu). Vaccination for pneumococcal pneumonia (a type of bacterial pneumonia) is recommended for all children under the age of 5 years and for adults with specific risk factors.

Good health habits can help fight pneumonia
Good health habits can help prevent pneumonia and other lung diseases. These include- washing hands, eating a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, regularly exercising, maintaining good oral hygiene and not smoking. Good health habits also promote faster recovery when you get infected/sick.