Pneumonia is a contagious disease commonly found in the elderly. It can occur throughout the year but often spreads heavily during weather changes such as the rainy and winter seasons. This is because many people catch colds during these times, leading to reduced immunity, making it easier to get sick. Most people usually contract the disease from exposure to infected individuals. Therefore, this disease poses a particularly high risk for people living in crowded communities.
How does pneumonia occur?
Pneumonia can be caused by infectious or non-infectious factors, but it is more commonly caused by infections. These infections include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Patients inhale these pathogens through the respiratory tract. If the pathogens enter the body when it is weak or has a lowered immune system, symptoms will appear. The severity of the disease depends on the patient’s physical condition. People with underlying diseases or other illnesses tend to have more severe symptoms than those who are generally healthy.
Symptoms indicating pneumonia
Symptoms vary among patients depending on the causative pathogen, the patient’s age, and the severity of the disease. They can be divided into two main groups as follows:
1. Group with clear symptoms Symptoms appear within 1-2 days and worsen rapidly. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough with green or yellow phlegm or blood-tinged sputum, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, especially when coughing or taking deep breaths.
2. Group with unclear symptoms Symptoms develop slowly over 1-2 weeks before clear pneumonia symptoms appear. Some people have cold-like symptoms with low-grade or no fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, possible abdominal pain, fatigue, and weakness.
Who is suitable for the pneumonia vaccine?
1. Elderly people over 65 years old
2. People aged 2-65 years
- Those with immune system abnormalities due to medication such as steroids, immunosuppressants, certain cancer drugs, radiation therapy, or due to diseases such as kidney failure, cancer, absence or malfunction of the spleen, organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, or HIV infection
- Those with chronic diseases including lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cirrhosis, chronic alcoholism, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or cochlear implant recipients
3. People aged 19-64 years who smoke or have asthma
Behavioral adjustments… another way to prevent “pneumonia”
- Get enough rest and maintain good health at all times
- Eat a balanced diet and take health supplements in appropriate amounts
- Avoid smoking and crowded places
- Closely supervise young children and prevent choking. Keep small toys away from children to prevent them from putting them in their mouths
- When having a cold, flu, measles, or chickenpox, take care of the illness early. If symptoms do not improve, consult a specialist doctor as soon as possible
Pneumonia is a serious and dangerous disease but it can be completely cured. Therefore, if you suspect you have this disease, you should see a doctor immediately. However, by taking care of both your physical and mental health through adequate rest, regular exercise, and eating nutritious food, these will serve as a strong defense against various diseases.
