Pneumonia: Breathe Easier Knowing You Are Vaccinated

Pneumonia is a common bacterial infection of the respiratory system that may be caused by allergies, the common cold, bronchitis and influenza. Pneumonia is more common in the elderly population and with patients that have other medical conditions that make them more prone to illness: Diabetes, Lung, Kidney and Liver Problems. Pneumonia can develop into a serious infection that requires hospitalization. Despite early treatment and hospitalization, thousands of seniors die each year from pneumonia.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia are fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and malaise (not feeling well). While many patients will try to treat these symptoms with home remedies, it is best to get prompt medical attention. Patients with these symptoms can be assessed with bloodwork and chest x-rays to diagnose pneumonia early. Patients with pneumonia can be treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics in the outpatient setting. Other patients may require hospitalization and some will require assistance breathing with a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit. Despite all these efforts, many patients will die.

Like so many other illnesses common in the elderly population, PREVENTION is the key. The best prevention is to get a pneumonia vaccine, Pneumovax, when you reach the age of 65 or if you have other diseases that predispose you to illness. Once you get your initial pneumonia shot, a booster is given every 6 to 10 years. Unlike the flu vaccine that is given in the fall, the pneumonia vaccine can be given any time of the year.

You cannot get Pneumonia from the pneumonia vaccine. It is IMPOSSIBLE. The bacteria from the most common strains of pneumonia are attenuated, or killed. The bacterial proteins are used to make a vaccine that stimulates your immune system to make antibodies against a pneumonia infection.

There are many things you can do to PREVENT Pneumonia

1. Get an initial pneumonia shot at age 65 or if you have diabetes, breathing, liver or kidney problems. Get regular booster vaccines every 6 to 10 years.
2. Wash your hands often. Bacteria are spread by hand to hand transfer when one person coughs or sneezes into their hands and touches another person.
3. Avoid shaking hands with people during the fall and winter months because of hand to hand transfer.

If you have symptoms of pneumonia, do NOT try to treat it yourself. Go to see your Health Care Provider. Get early medical attention. Getting a pneumonia vaccination and preventing infection can save your life.