World Pneumonia Day

Which is the biggest infectious disease that is prevalent during this pandemic and how can we tackle it? Who are the most vulnerable when it comes to Pneumonia? Visit our blog to know more. To book an appointment call 9205478479 or visit https://www.apollodiagnostics.in/

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with pus which causes cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty in breathing. Pneumonia is caused by infection through a variety of organisms like bacteria and viruses like influenza or COVID-19.

What is different this year?

Every year, we mark the significance of World Pneumonia Day to create awareness about this infectious disease that has claimed over four million lives and has taken a heavy toll on us. Amid this COVID-19 pandemic, the need for personal hygiene has helped us take more responsibility for our health.

This year’s theme to create awareness is – “Stop Pneumonia- Every Breath Counts.”

The theme offers a platform to create awareness to talk about the importance of prevention, early detection of symptoms, cure, and treatment. The aim is to increase the number of affordable medicines and oxygen cylinders in low-income countries.

Who’s at greater risk?

Young children below the age of 5 years and people above 65 years are the most vulnerable. Exposure to indoor or outdoor air pollution, lack of nutritious diet, and vaccines can lead to severe health problems.

Air pollution is the leading factor behind most of the causes of death among all age groups. Many of such deaths have occurred in countries with low and middle income like the African countries where more than 50 % of pneumonia cases are due to air pollution.

It is a critical moment that brings together the health and climate change communities to find ways to deal with such an infectious disease as Pneumonia.

What can be done?

The need for clean air action is clear. Reducing air pollution will deliver significant benefits to health and the environment, but what else can be done?

• Increasing immunity with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines
• Reducing exposure to tobacco and air pollution
• Increasing access to safe drinking water and sanitation
• Taking up breathing exercises can help in keeping your lungs warm and healthy

Following these simple measures can go a long way in protecting your lungs against any infection in the future.