World Pneumonia Day

On this World Pneumonia Day we highlight the importance of our lungs and how pneumonia is an infectious disease that affects children and adults alike.

Did you know that pneumonia is the largest of the infectious diseases that kills the most children and adults across the globe?

This infection is very common and has been around for quite a long time.  Our lungs that help us to breathe every day can become infected and make it difficult to breathe.

Pneumonia can be very scary, especially for those whose lungs are already compromised or in the young that are still growing.

During the winter months pneumonia can be more prevalent.  Close contact and closed spaces and keep germs active.

Today there are vaccines available to children and adults so it’s important to talk to your medical professional if it’s right for you and your family.

There are a couple of types of vaccines, one of which is called the Pneumococcal vaccine.  Since 2000 we have had access for vaccines and they have proven helpful.

The CDC has the following recommendations of who should get the vaccine:

All children under age 5; ages 5-8 if certain risks exist

All adults over the age of 50; ages 19-49 if certain risks exist

There are some exceptions on the type of vaccine for children under the age of two so check with your pediatrician.

Keeping our lungs healthy and being aware of the importance of our lungs is what this day is all about.

Private Home Health Care wants you to be aware that if you start to have persistent coughing, fever and difficulty breathing you could be getting pneumonia.  Please contact your health professional for aid.