Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by germs that get into the lung’s air sacs and make them fill up with fluid and pus, which makes it hard to breath. The most common cause of pneumonia are viruses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Bacteria can also cause it. In children, viruses cause most cases of pneumonia. Pneumonia is very common. In the US, about 6 million people get pneumonia every year, and it is one of the main reasons people go to the hospital.
People with pneumonia often cough, have a fever, and have trouble breathing. They may also feel very tired, have chest pain, and not want to eat. Children, especially babies, may grunt when breathing or have trouble catching their breath. Doctors check for pneumonia by asking about your symptoms and listening to your lungs. Sometimes they take a chest X-ray to see if there is fluid in your lungs. Sometimes doctors do blood tests too.
Treatment depends on what caused the pneumonia. For bacterial pneumonia, doctors often prescribe antibiotics like amoxicillin. For viral pneumonia, treatment includes rest, fluids, and sometimes antiviral medicine for flu or COVID-19 if it is diagnosed early enough. Most people get better at home. Some very sick people go to the ER and get admitted to the hospital. Vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumonia. Getting your shots can keep you and your family safe from getting very sick.
All babies should get the pneumonia vaccine (called PCV) starting at 2 months old. Babies get four shots total at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months old. This vaccine protects against the most common germs that cause pneumonia in children. Children should also get the flu shot every year starting at 6 months old. Other vaccines like the Hib vaccine also help protect against pneumonia.
All adults 65+ should get a pneumonia vaccine such as PCV20 along with an annual flu shot. Adults 75+ should get the RSV vaccine to protect against another virus that can cause pneumonia. Adults 60-74 with health problems like heart disease or lung disease should also get the RSV vaccine. People with chronic medical problems like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or weak immune systems should get pneumonia vaccines even if they are younger than 65. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines you should get.
Some ways to stay healthy include washing your hands often, avoiding smoking, and staying away from sick people. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions about ways to protect yourself from pneumonia. And, especially during flu season, please see your doctor if you are feeling sick.
Dr. Emily Sheehy is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
