Have you ever stopped to think how amazing it is to breathe, until it suddenly becomes hard?
Our lungs work quietly every day, helping us laugh, sing, run, and rest. They’re soft and spongy, filled with tiny air sacs called alveoli. These sacs take in oxygen and send it into our blood, the fuel that keeps us alive and moving.
However, when germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungi sneak in, those air sacs can become filled with fluid and pus. That’s pneumonia, a serious lung infection that makes breathing painful and difficult.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Anyone can get pneumonia, but some people are more likely to get very sick:
- Children under 5 (especially under age 2)
- Adults aged 65 and older
- People with weak immune systems
- Smokers or those around secondhand smoke
- Heavy alcohol drinkers
- People with chronic illnesses (like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes)
- Those who don’t wash their hands often or are around sick people
The good news is that Pneumonia can be prevented!
Here are 3 easy ways to protect your lungs and stay healthy:
- Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are powerful shields against pneumonia and the infections that cause it.
- Pneumococcal vaccine: For young children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions.
Note: Pneumococcal vaccine does not cover all pneumonia causing microbes but it covers the most common culprits.
- Flu shot: The flu can lead to pneumonia; get your shot every year. Click here for your vaccine needs
- Practice Clean Habits: Germs spread fast, but you can stop them!
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (while humming the “happy birthday song” from beginning to end twice), and also, use hand sanitizer where water is unavailable.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
- Clean surfaces like phones and doorknobs
- Stay away from people who are sick
- Protect Your Lungs: Strong lungs lead to a strong life.
- Quit smoking, it’s one of the best ways to prevent pneumonia
- Manage chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes to keep your immune system strong
Pneumonia is preventable, treatable, and curable. Let’s protect every breath, because every breath truly counts.
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Disclaimer: Kindly note that, as much as we ensure we provide sound information or advice, the information or advice given here is not intended to replace your doctor’s advice.