When cold and flu season rolls around, individuals should also be on the lookout for pneumococcal disease. This respiratory illness often causes pneumonia, but it is also responsible for other, more serious health risks. To avoid potentially deadly complications, everyone should be aware of pneumonia symptoms as well as how to treat and prevent pneumococcal disease.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and often occurs as a complication from the flu or other illness. A number of different viruses, bacteria or fungi can cause this respiratory illness. Pneumonia alone can be serious, but it is most dangerous when the infection spreads to the blood or spinal fluid. Of all the variations of pneumococcal disease, meningitis is the most deadly.
Although the term "walking pneumonia" is often used to describe less severe cases of pneumococcal disease, it is not medically defined. Generally, when someone refers to a case of walking pneumonia, it simply means that the illness does not require hospitalization.
Pneumonia Symptoms
The symptoms of pneumonia are similar to those of the cold or flu. The most common symptoms include:
- fever
- persistent coughing
- chills
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
Coughs caused by pneumonia may be accompanied by mucus, and pneumonia fevers are often in excess of 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
When to Call the Doctor
Mild pneumonia symptoms that mimic the flu normally don’t require emergency care. While viral pneumonia is best treated with plenty of rest, bacterial pneumonia responds well to antibiotics. Therefore, anyone who thinks they may have pneumonia should consult their physician. Pneumococcal disease can only be definitively diagnosed with a chest X-ray.
However, individuals should seek emergency medical treatment if they experience any of the following:
- difficulty breathing
- sharp chest pain
- coughing up significant amounts of blood
- feelings of faintness
- sustained fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit
Since pneumonia causes inflammation of the lungs, those with asthma should be especially vigilant about monitoring any signs of pneumonia.
Pneumonia Treatment
Bacterial pneumonia can be effectively treated by antibiotics. There are several different types of medication that can be prescribed, and the right drug should begin to reduce symptoms within two to three days.
For viral pneumonia, there is no good medical treatment. Most physicians will advise plenty of rest although, in some cases, antiviral medications may be used.
Most individuals diagnosed with pneumonia are able to remain home during treatment. However, hospitalization may be required for:
- elderly patients
- those requiring oxygen
- individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Like most respiratory illnesses, pneumococcal disease can be contagious. However, the bacteria or virus causing the infection is often located deep within the lungs. This makes it more difficult to pass casually to others.
To avoid spreading the illness, those who think they may have pneumonia should avoid coughing around others. In addition, the virus can live and be transferred on an individual’s hands so it is best to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming in contact with someone who is coughing.
Pneumonia Prevention
While the chances of contracting pneumonia can be reduced by practicing good hygiene and eating a balanced diet, a pneumonia vaccine is also available. The brand name Prevnar vaccine has been used since 2000 to protect children for years against pneumococcal disease. In recent years, a number of medical organizations have encouraged adults to get the pneumonia vaccine as well.
Although all adults could benefit from the vaccine, it is recommended for those:
- 65 years of age or older
- with a weakened immune system
- diagnosed with a chronic disease such a diabetes
- whose spleen has been removed
Pneumonia is a serious health condition that should not be dismissed. Understanding the symptoms of pneumonia as well as treatment and prevention options can help individuals avoid deadly complications.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic Pneumonia (accessed 2/26/10)
WebMD Pneumonia (accessed 2/26/10)
Komaroff, Anthony, Is Pneumonia Contagious? Harvard Health Publications, 8/14/2009
Maryalene LaPonsie - Maryalene LaPonsie has been writing professionally for nearly 15 years on topics including religion and politics, education and ...
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