7 Best Pneumonia Prevention Tips to Follow If Someone is Hospitalized

Pneumonia is the inflammation or the infection of the lungs. Some of the common causes are:

• Viruses

• Bacteria

• Fungi [1]

This sickness is serious and can be fatal if left unchecked. It is among the leading causes of death among children in India [2]. Those with pneumonia often experience a great deal of discomfort when breathing. This is because your air sacs fill with fluid or pus. The condition worsens with time and brings about other immune symptoms. This is mainly because it makes it harder for your body to get the required oxygen. 

Older people, children younger than 5 years of age, and those with existing health issues are at a greater risk. Be very cautious If you have medical conditions such as:

• Diabetes

• Asthma

• Heart disease

You are more prone to getting pneumonia or experiencing complications if you have these.

World Pneumonia Day sheds light on these matters and is celebrated every year. You can use this day to learn about the various pneumonia prevention steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Read on to know the pneumonia risk factors and what to include in a pneumonia care plan for you or your family members.

When is World Pneumonia Day?

World Pneumonia Day is observed every year on 12 November. It has 3 major goals, which are to:

• Raises awareness about pneumonia

• Advocate for global action to protect against this disease

• Help prevent and treat this deadly disease [3].

Additional Read: World Osteoporosis Day 2021: How are Postmenopausal Women at Risk for Fractures?

How to Prevent Pneumonia?

Get Vaccinated

Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria is also known as called pneumococcus [4] and it can cause many diseases. These are:

• Pneumonia
• blood infections
• ear infections

There are two vaccines namely PCV13 and PPSV23 that can protect you against these bacteria. The pneumonia vaccination is recommended for children aged under 2 years and if you’re an adult over 65 years of age.

Some other key risk areas you should be aware of are:

• If you smoke
• Have illnesses that weaken the immune system
• Have long term health conditions

If any of these apply to you, you should get vaccinated at the earliest. Other vaccines that protect you from diseases that cause pneumonia are:

• Haemophilus Influenzae
• Influenza (flu)
• Pertussis
• Measles
• Varicella [5]

Keep Your Hands Clean

Washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent yourself from getting sick. Washing often is important and especially so if someone is hospitalized. If you are visiting your loved ones in the hospital, wash your hands with soap and warm water.

Other times to prioritize good hygiene are:

• After sneezing or blowing your nose
• Coughing
• Before eating

Practice Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises can reduce your chances of getting affected by pneumonia. Your healthcare provider may suggest breathing exercises with an incentive spirometer. Follow your doctor’s advice without wavering. You should also lead an active lifestyle to stay healthy. Moving around and taking deep breaths helps keep pneumonia infections at bay, among other illnesses.

Practice Oral Hygiene

It is essential that you take care of your oral health. Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent pneumonia. Infected teeth can lead to pneumonia infections. Keep your teeth clean or visit your dentist regularly. This is especially important if you or your loved one are hospitalized. Make sure the inside of the mouth is cleaned on regular basis with a toothbrush or antiseptic rinse. Oral hygiene is a vital part of pneumonia care.

Quit Smoking and Limit Drinking

It’s a fact that smoking is not good for your health. It hurts your lungs and makes it difficult to fight off pneumonia. Stop smoking or reduce it as much as possible to keep your lungs healthy as possible. This will reduce the risk of you getting pneumonia. Another course of action is to limit alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol heavily can put you at risk of getting pneumonia and its complications.

Take Good Care of Your Body

Your immune system is one of the best defenses against infections. Taking care of your body can strengthen your immune system and enhance your overall health. Some tips you can rely on are to:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables
• Reduce your stress

Taking good care of yourself should be one of the priorities in your pneumonia care plan. Speak to a specialist if you need assistance on the best ways to stay healthy.

Wear a Protective Gown, Gloves, and Mask for Pneumonia Prevention

There are certain pneumonia prevention protocols you must follow to prevent the spread of pneumonia in hospitals. You will find medical professionals wearing gowns, gloves, masks, or face shields when performing medical activities. Wearing such protective coverings help prevent the spread of the infection.

Additional Read: Pneumonia: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Self-care and lungs exercise are some of the best ways of practicing pneumonia prevention. If you experience any pneumonia symptoms, seek medical help immediately. You can also book an appointment with a doctor in your area on Bajaj Finserv Health. Get the best pneumonia care tips from top specialists and stay healthy easily.