Pneumonia
Alternate Names : Bronchopneumonia, Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Pneumonitis
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Pneumonia Prevention
- Wash your hands frequently especially after blowing your nose, going to the bathroom, or diapering, and before eating or preparing foods.
- Don't smoke. Tobacco damages your lung's ability to ward off infection.
- Wear a mask when cleaning out very dusty or moldy areas
Certain vaccines can help prevent pneumonia in children, the elderly, and people with diabetes, asthma, emphysema, HIV, cancer, or other chronic conditions:
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Pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax, Prevnar) prevents Streptococcus pneumoniae.
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Flu vaccine prevents pneumonia and other infections caused by influenza viruses. It must be given yearly to protect against new viral strains.
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Hib vaccine prevents pneumonia in children from Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Taking deep breaths may help prevent pneumonia if you are in the hospital -- for example, while recovering from surgery. Often, a breathing device will be given to you to assist in deep breathing.
If you have cancer or HIV, you should talk to your doctor about additional ways to prevent pneumonia.
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