Every year since 2009, World Pneumonia Day has been observed on 12 November. In 2020, the theme for World Pneumonia Day is “Every Breath Counts”, a clarion call for global awareness and action against this respiratory infection which has claimed more lives than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk factors
- Infants under the age of 2 years
- Adults above the age of 65 years
- People with health conditions that affect the heart or lungs
- Those with neurological conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s or stroke
- People who are hospitalised and require ventilation support
- Those who smoke or drink alcohol
- Pregnant women
Symptoms of pneumonia
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Cough, usually with phlegm (a slimy substance from deep in your lungs)
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain when you breathe or cough.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Preventing pneumonia
There are two pneumonia vaccines, Pneumovax23 and Prevnar13, which prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. There are no vaccines that prevent viral pneumonia but taking the flu vaccine every year may prevent pneumonia as it can occur due to complications arising from viral infections like the flu and COVID-19.
- Follow proper hand hygiene and wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
- Avoid being around people who are sick or have pneumonia.
- Maintain hygiene and avoid touching shared objects. Pneumonia, like COVID-19, can be transmitted through high-touch surfaces.
- Quit smoking. Avoid second hand smoke and exposure to air pollutants that can damage your lungs.
- Get treated for any infections you may have at the earliest to avoid its progression to pneumonia.
- Eat a healthy diet and get exercise and enough sleep. Maintaining these habits can strengthen your immune system, which can help fight off all infections including pneumonia.