Steps to prevent pneumonia that you need to know

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. You can prevent this disease that causes inflammation of the lungs by taking preventive steps, from living a healthy lifestyle to vaccinations. Check out the following complete review of pneumonia prevention.

What are the efforts to prevent pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a preventable condition. Treatment for pneumonia, both natural treatment for pneumonia, to medical treatment, also has a high success rate.

Even so, you still have to be vigilant because pneumonia can cause complications, from mild to dangerous. Therefore, it is important to know a few things you can do to prevent the following pneumonia:

1. Vaccinations

The main prevention of pneumonia is vaccination. Quoted from the website of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, the government is trying to provide several types of vaccines that can prevent pneumonia depending on the cause, namely:

Measles vaccine

Measles can have complications in the form of pneumonia. That is why, getting the measles vaccine is one of the efforts to prevent pneumonia that you can do.

Measles can be prevented by administering the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella).

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, recommends that children be given two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also renew their vaccinations.

Vaccine Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)

This vaccine can help prevent Haemophilus influenza type b or Hib disease. This vaccine does not provide protection against this type of disease Haemophilus influenzae other.

The Hib vaccine is recommended for:

• All children under 5 years of age
• Children and adults who have not received vaccines and have certain medical conditions
• People who receive a bone marrow transplant

Vaccine Pneumococcus Conjugates Vaccine (PCV)

Pneumococcus Conjugates Vaccine (PCV) is a measure to prevent pneumococcal disease, which is a disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including pneumonia. These bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia.

The PCV vaccine is recommended for:

• Children under 2 years of age
• Children over two years of age or older who have certain health conditions

In addition, adults aged 65 years or over can discuss and decide with their doctor to get this vaccine.

Influenza vaccine

The most important step in preventing influenza which can cause pneumonia is influenza immunization. The vaccine is intended for all people over six months of age. The influenza vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions.

Other vaccines

There are several other vaccines that can prevent bacterial and viral infections that can cause pneumonia. Vaccines that can be a measure to prevent pneumonia include the DPT vaccine (a combination vaccine to prevent diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus) and the chickenpox vaccine (Varicella).

Meanwhile, the DPT vaccine is recommended for all babies, children, adolescents, and pregnant women. Adults who have never been vaccinated are also advised to do this vaccination.

2. Wash your hands

Wash your hands regularly, especially after blowing your nose, going to the bathroom, changing diapers, and before and while preparing food. If you are in a waterless environment, you may use hand sanitizer alcohol-based to clean your hands.

3. Practice coughing and sneezing etiquette

Although most cases of pneumonia are caused by bacteria and are not contagious, you still need to ensure good hygiene standards as an effort to prevent pneumonia to healthy people.

These efforts include the following cough and sneezing ethics:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing and sneezing
• Throw away the tissue as soon as possible, as germs from the mouth and nose can last for several hours
• Wash your hands immediately to avoid transferring germs from one object to another through your hands

4. Do not smoke and drink alcohol

Tobacco can damage your lungs' ability to fight infection. Quoted from the American Lung Association, smokers have a high risk of developing pneumonia.

Smokers are also one of the parties recommended to administer the pneumococcal vaccine. Therefore, try to quit smoking, if you are a smoker.

Excessive and prolonged alcohol abuse can also weaken the natural defenses your lungs have against infection. This can make you more susceptible to pneumonia.

5. Pay attention to general health

Pneumonia often occurs after a person has a respiratory tract infection. That is why you need to pay attention to the symptoms of pneumonia that persist for more than a few days.

Good habits, such as a healthy diet, rest, and regular exercise can help catch viruses and respiratory ailments. These habits can also help you recover when you have a disease, such as the flu, cold, or other respiratory illness.

If you have children, talk to your doctor about:

• Hib vaccine, which can be a measure to prevent pneumonia in children as a result Haemophilus influenza type b
• A drug called Synagis (palivizumab), which is given to children younger than 24 months, can be a preventative measure for pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or respiratory syncytial virus

If you have another disease, such as cancer or HIV, talk to your doctor about additional preventive steps to prevent pneumonia.