Pneumonia: Prevention and Complications

Prevention Tips

• Get vaccinated. (There are two vaccines available pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax))
• Everyone should be vaccinated for flu vaccine yearly.
• Quit smoking as it damages the lungs or else it may lead to severe problems
• Wash your hands properly especially after blowing your nose, sneezing, and coughing
• Properly clean the things handled by the infected persons
• Cover your mouth and nose in order to prevent the spread of infection
• Take the medications properly as prescribed by the doctor
• Eat healthfully, exercise, and stay away from sputum or cough particles of the infected individuals

Watch Out

• Severe cough with bloody mucus
• Struggle to breathe

When to See Doctor

• Worse chest pain
• Dusky or purplish skin color (cyanosis) due to poorly oxygenated blood

• Cough with bloody or rust-colored mucus
• Chest pain that gets worse when you cough or breathe in
• Fast or painful breathing
• Shortness of breath, shaking chills, or persistent fevers