Pneumonia is a bacterial or viral respiratory infection that's characterized by lung inflammation. It can be life-threatening, especially to the young, the elderly and to people with chronic health problems.
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests how to help prevent pneumonia:
- Wash your hands often, especially after you use the toilet, change a diaper, prepare or eat food, or blow your nose.
- Don't smoke.
- Get vaccinated for pneumonia and flu.
- Children also should get an Hib vaccine.
- In some children younger than 24 months, the drug palivizumab may be prescribed to help avoid pneumonia as a complication from another respiratory condition.
Health Tip: Signs That You Might Have Pneumonia
Pneumonia's symptoms may appear to mimic those of other respiratory infections. But pneumonia can kill, and its warning signs shouldn't be dismissed.
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute mentions these possible warning signs of pneumonia:
- A high fever.
- Chills that cause you to shake.
- Worsening bouts of coughing up phlegm.
- Shortness of breath from performing everyday activities.
- Having chest pain when breathing or coughing.
- Suddenly feeling worse after you appeared to get over the flu or a cold.
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