To prevent pneumonia, several effective measures can be taken:
Vaccination
- Get vaccinated against common pneumonia-causing bacteria and viruses. Important vaccines include:
- Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV and PPSV) for children under 5, adults over 50, and people with certain health conditions like chronic lung disease, diabetes, or immunocompromised states.
- Influenza (flu) vaccine annually, as flu can lead to pneumonia.
- COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots.
- Vaccines for other infections that can lead to pneumonia, such as Tdap (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), MMR (measles), and varicella (chickenpox)
Hygiene Practices
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, or before eating/preparing food. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of tissues immediately.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick to reduce respiratory infection risk
Healthy Lifestyle
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as smoking damages lung defenses and increases pneumonia risk.
- Maintain good general health with a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, and managing chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Limit excessive alcohol consumption, which can weaken the immune system
Additional Precautions
- Improve indoor air quality and ensure good ventilation, especially when cooking with biomass fuels.
- For those recovering from respiratory infections like colds or flu, take steps to prevent progression to pneumonia by resting, staying hydrated, and consulting a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or persist
By combining vaccination, good hygiene, healthy habits, and avoiding risk factors like smoking, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing pneumonia.
