A severe lung infection known as pneumonia can progress into complications, including sepsis (blood poisoning) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain). The best way to prevent pneumonia is to get vaccinated. If you contract the illness, the course of treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Continue reading to explore how to prevent pneumonia in the West Midlands.
What are 3 ways to prevent pneumonia in the West Midlands?
- Vaccination: Since the flu frequently triggers pneumonia, protecting yourself from infection through vaccination is a great way to prevent pneumonia.
- Personal hygiene: Always wash your hands after using the toilet, changing a nappy, or wiping your nose or eyes. Also, wash your hands before preparing food.
- Upgrade your health: As pneumonia frequently accompanies respiratory infections, symptoms that last longer than a few days should be cause for concern. Avoid using tobacco products and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
What is the best way to prevent pneumonia?
The best ways to prevent pneumonia include:
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Rest to be at your best:
A good rest at home may benefit you as part of the prevention as well as treatment. If the cause of pneumonia is bacterial, antibiotics are the most effective. However, if a virus is a cause, your immune system needs antibodies to fight off the germ.
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Adequate hydration for proper function:
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration as a complication of the disease. A hospital stay may be necessary for more severe conditions.
You may feel better within a few weeks if you begin treatment immediately. Bacteria can develop resistance to an antibiotic if treatment is discontinued halfway through a course.
What is the main cause of pneumonia?
Pneumonia can have a wide range of possible origins in different settings.
Community-acquired pneumonia may be the most common cause in the general population. Pathogens involved in this cause include the following:
- Bacteria
- Viruses, including COVID-19
- Fungi
The second most common cause is hospital-acquired pneumonia among patients during hospital stays. Due to other illnesses or weak immunity, they’re prone to contract the bacteria immediately.
Like the second one, healthcare staff members may also acquire bacterial pneumonia due to long-term care facilities. This type is called healthcare-acquired pneumonia.
Another cause is aspiration pneumonia, which usually happens when inhaling particles into your lungs due to an abnormal gag reflex caused by brain injury or swallowing problems.
Who should get the pneumonia vaccine in West Midlands?
The recommendation for age-appropriate vaccination against pneumonia is as follows:
Children: if a child is younger than 2 years, the vaccine is safe. Moreover, a child between the age of 2 to 5 years with certain health conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart problems and diabetes can also get the vaccine.
Adults: Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 with asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, or who smoke cigarettes receive the pneumonia vaccine.
Older adults: All adults aged 65 and above require vaccination against pneumonia.
Additional pneumococcal vaccinations are given per recommendations if a child or an adult is at risk of progressing with the disease.
How do you prevent a cold from turning into pneumonia?
If you catch a cold that lasts more than 7 to 10 days, you should take precautions immediately because it can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms may manifest abruptly or gradually.
These preventive measures may help you prevent a cold:
- Vaccination may not eliminate the risk completely, but it can effectively lessen the severity of the infection.
- A good enough rest can help you recover quickly from colds and other illnesses.
- Optimise your health and lifestyle, including personal hygiene, a balanced diet, routine exercise, and stopping smoking.
- Keep yourself adequately hydrated to prevent congestion and dehydration.
Contact us or book your appointment at West Midlands Travel Clinic for further queries.
