Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs. The term is almost always used to refer specifically to infections of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or other parasites; however, it can also refer to lung injury caused by physical or chemical irritants, in which case the term pneumonitis is used to differentiate the condition from infectious pneumonia. This article uses pneumonia only in the first sense, that of infection. Pneumonia may occur in people of all ages, although young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients are especially at risk. Antimicrobial drugs are often used to treat pneumonia.

Prevention

Vaccination with the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for adults older than 65, patients with chronic disease, and patients with immune compromise (including HIV, nephrotic syndrome and asplenia). Pneumoccocal pneumonia kills more Americans than all other diseases combined that could be partially prevented by vaccination.

Related Topics:
Vaccination - Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine - HIV - Nephrotic syndrome - Asplenia

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These groups should also have annual flu vaccination to avoid secondary bacterial infections after influenza infection.

Related Topics:
Flu vaccination - Influenza

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