Pneumonia: Risk Factors, Prevention, 

and Key Insights

People at higher risk for pneumonia include those with conditions such as bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, smokers, individuals with malnutrition, diabetes, and those suffering from liver and kidney disease. 

However, pneumonia is a highly preventable disease.

Preventing Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be effectively prevented through vaccination and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are two key vaccines available for preventing pneumonia     

  • PPSV (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine): This vaccine is administered twice, with a 5-year interval between doses.
  • PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): After receiving PCV13, a booster dose of PPSV should be given one year later.

Hygiene and Lifestyle

Good hygiene practices play a crucial role in pneumonia prevention.

Key habits include: Regular handwashing, Coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

In addition to hygiene, a healthy lifestyle can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of pneumonia. 

This includes: Smoking cessation, Eating a balanced diet, Regular physical activity

Vaccinations for Additional Protection

In addition to pneumonia-specific vaccines, annual flu vaccination is essential. The flu can lead to secondary bacterial infections in the airways, which may develop into bacterial pneumonia. 

Therefore, getting the flu vaccine is an important step in preventing pneumonia.

Recognizing Pneumonia Symptoms 

Common signs and symptoms of pneumonia include: Cough, Fever, Difficulty breathing, General body malaise, Phlegm production and sometimes Muscle aches and diarrhea.

However, for patients with diabetes, typical symptoms such as fever and cough may be absent. 

In these cases, the only symptom of pneumonia may be body malaise, which can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Managing Chronic Lung Diseases

For individuals with chronic lung conditions like COPD and asthma, it’s crucial to manage these diseases effectively to avoid complications if pneumonia develops. Proper control of these conditions can help mitigate the severity and outcomes of pneumonia.