Anyone who has ever thought that “pneumonia” is far from them may need to change their mind because pneumonia is a contagious disease commonly found in the elderly and can occur throughout the year. Especially during times of fluctuating weather, we as their children and grandchildren cannot be complacent because the severity of this disease is quite serious.
Pneumonia… what causes it?
In fact, pneumonia can be caused by both infectious and non-infectious factors, but most cases are found to be caused by infections. These infections can be caused by various types of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Generally, patients contract these pathogens through the respiratory system, meaning we can inhale the pathogens anytime. Moreover, if the body is weak or has a low immune system, the chance of infection increases. Additionally, the severity of the disease depends on how strong the patient’s condition is.
What symptoms indicate that an “elderly person” is being affected by “pneumonia”?
Most symptoms of pneumonia appear within 1-2 days, starting with fever, chills, coughing up green or yellow phlegm, or coughing up blood. Some people experience shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. When coughing or even taking deep breaths, chest pain may be felt, and symptoms can worsen rapidly. However, not all cases show clear symptoms because some may take 1-2 weeks to develop symptoms, which may only include low-grade fever, headache, body aches, or joint pain. If you notice any abnormal symptoms in the elderly, it is best to take them to see a doctor immediately.
Prevent “suffering” with “vaccination”
Although pneumonia seems severe, there is currently a “preventive vaccine” available, especially for the elderly, whose immunity and strength decline with age. As mentioned, the lower the immunity and the weaker the body, the higher the chance of infection. Therefore, to prevent the suffering that may result from infection leading to pneumonia, we as their children and grandchildren should take the elderly in the household to get vaccinated against pneumonia. Besides age, people with abnormal immunity due to medications such as steroids, immunosuppressants, certain cancer drugs, or those who have undergone organ or bone marrow transplants should be equally cautious. Also, those with chronic conditions like lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or cerebrospinal fluid leakage are at risk of developing pneumonia.
In addition to taking them for vaccination, don’t forget to maintain the elderly’s health by ensuring a balanced diet with all five food groups, regular exercise, and promptly seeing a doctor if they develop a fever or any abnormal symptoms. Do not leave it untreated until it becomes a serious illness.
