How to Protect Yourself from Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that is caused by either bacteria or a virus and can be caught on its own or result from complications due to the common cold or a hospital stay. Most adults can get pneumonia, but you are more susceptible if you are injured, immune-deficient, elderly or otherwise ill. These steps can help reduce the chance you or a loved one catches pneumonia, which can be serious in many cases.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get a flu vaccine every year.
2. If you have respiratory symptoms that last longer than a few days, see your doctor before things get worse.
3. Stay healthy! Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, exercise daily and eat a nutritious diet.
4. If you are taking antibiotics for another infection, be sure to finish all the medication to ensure the bacteria does not mutate or return and spurn worse infections.
5. Ask your doctor if you are at increased risk for a particular kind of pneumonia called pneumococcal pneumonia, which is caused by bacteria. If you are, discuss your options for receiving the targeted vaccine.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid catching infections by washing your hands regularly!
• Consult your doctor before receiving any vaccines or taking antibiotics.