Mature man suffering from dry cough and chest pain while sitting alone on sofa in living room.

Pneumonia: Understanding the Illness and How to Protect Yourself

Pneumonia is more than just a cold; it’s a serious lung infection that can leave you feeling drained, unwell, or worse. But the good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk of catching pneumonia with the right knowledge and precautions. Let’s explore what pneumonia is, its symptoms, and the proactive steps you can take to help avoid getting this illness! 

According to the CDC, pneumonia is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).1 The infection can inflame the air sacs in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus. This often results in a cough with mucus, fever, chills, and breathing difficulties. 

Pneumonia can cause various signs and symptoms, including:

  • Chest pain when you breathe or cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Changes in mental awareness (in adults aged 65 and older)2
  • Production of mucus
  • Fatigue
  • Fever, sweating, and chills
  • Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)2
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

When to see a doctor

  •  If you experience breathing problems, chest discomfort, a continuous fever of 102°F (39°C) or more, an unusually low body temperature (below 95°F or 35°C), or a lasting cough, particularly if it’s producing pus.2

It’s crucial that individuals who fall into the following high-risk categories seek immediate medical attention:

  • Adults over the age of 652
  • Individuals with preexisting health conditions or compromised immune systems
  • Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or using medications that weaken the immune system

The CDC advises that individuals age 50 and older and high-risk adults – who have chronic illnesses – receive the pneumococcal vaccine.1

Get vaccinated 

A vaccine is available that can help prevent certain types of pneumonia. The CDC advises that individuals age 50 and older and high-risk adults – who have chronic illnesses – receive the pneumococcal vaccine.1

Ask your doctor if the pneumonia vaccine is right for you, even if you’ve had it in the past, since vaccination guidelines may change.

  1. Pneumococcal Disease in Adults and Vaccines to Prevent It | Pneumococcal | CDC[↩][↩][↩]
  2. Pneumonia – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic[↩][↩][↩][↩]

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