Pneumonia, also known as pneumonia, is an inflammation of the lungs, air sacs, and surrounding tissues. Most of the causes are infection, which is a fairly common disease. Infectious pneumonia can be caused by both bacteria and viruses. It is more common in young children, the elderly, and people with low immunity. Sometimes severe pneumonia can lead to respiratory failure until death.

The main bacteria that cause preventable pneumonia are: pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumonia) are mainly found in the nasal cavity and throat. It can be spread through coughing and sneezing droplets.
The virus that causes preventable pneumonia is the influenza virus.

How are influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia-related?

Influenza patients may develop complications of infectious pneumonia. The same is true for pneumococcal pneumonia. But pneumococcal infection can also be accompanied by sepsis, pneumonia. The infection can be so severe that it can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Therefore, it is recommended that people with risk factors, such as the elderly, should receive pneumococcus immunity. as well as influenza

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

• have a fever
• cough with phlegm
• chills
• Chest pain while breathing or coughing
• difficulty breathing

Who is at risk of contracting pneumococcal pneumonia?

• Elderly people over 65 years old
• Children under 2 years old
• People with chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease
• People with impaired immune systems, such as people with HIV, cancer
• People who smoke regularly
• Those who have had their splenectomy

Pneumonia prevention

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. or use alcohol gel to wash your hands with a concentration of not less than 60%.
2. Wear a mask
3. Avoid slums
4. Vaccination against strengthening immunity against pneumonia

Pneumococcal vaccine

Currently, there are two types. We vaccinate to reduce violence. and complications that may arise such as bloodstream infections

1. Conjugated pneumococcus vaccine (PCV13), which covers 13 pneumococcus strains.
2. Polysaccharide pneumococcus vaccine (PPSV23), which covers 23 pneumococcus strains.
   Boosting your immune system to prevent infection is therefore a priority. as if creating a protective shield for the body. It is advisable to consult a doctor for preventive immunization in all at-risk individuals.