Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of the lungs. The air sacs fill with pus and other
liquid, blocking oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. If there is too little oxygen in the blood, the
body's cells cannot work properly, which can lead to death.
Influenza is a common cause of pneumonia, especially among younger children, the elderly, pregnant
women, or those with certain chronic health conditions or who live in a nursing home. Most cases of
flu never lead to pneumonia, but those that do tend to be more severe and deadly. In fact, flu and
pneumonia were the eighth leading cause of death in the United States in 2016.
For both influenza and some types of pneumonia there are protective vaccines, although none are
100 percent protective. As flu strains change each year, it is necessary to get a flu vaccination each
season to make sure you are protected against the most current strains. Pneumonia vaccinations are
usually only necessary once, although a booster vaccination may be recommended for some
individuals. Ask your healthcare provider if you are up to date on your vaccinations and to determine
if any additional vaccinations are right for you.
The best way to prevent getting influenza is by getting a flu shot. Flu shots are safe and effective at
reducing flu illness, hospitalizations and death. It usually takes about two weeks for your body to
develop immunity to influenza, so make a plan to get your flu shot as soon as possible!
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The
infection causes the lungs' air sacs (alveoli) to become inflamed and fill up with fluid or pus. That can
make it hard for the oxygen you breathe in to get into your bloodstream. The symptoms of
pneumonia can range from mild to severe, and include cough, fever, chills, and trouble breathing.
Many factors affect how serious a case of pneumonia is, such as the type of germ causing the lung
infection, the person's age, and their overall health. The people most at risk are infants and young
children, adults 65 or older, and people who have other health problems.
Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization in both children and adults. Most cases can be
treated successfully, although it can take weeks to fully recover. Tens of thousands of people in the
U.S. die from pneumonia every year, most of them adults over the age of 65.
What Causes Pneumonia?
Pneumonia can be caused by a wide variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the air we breathe.
Identifying the cause of your pneumonia can be an important step in getting the proper treatment.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Anyone can get pneumonia, but many factors can increase your chances of getting sick and having a
more severe illness. One of the most important factors is your age. People age 65 and over are at
increased risk because their immune system is becoming less able to fight off infection as years go
by. Infants and children two years of age or younger are also at increased risk because their immune
systems are not yet fully developed.
Other risk factors can be grouped into three main categories: medical conditions, health behaviors,
and environment.
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