The vaccine does not protect against pneumonia ...

What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is actually a group of diseases that cause infection or inflammation (swelling) in the lungs. Pneumonia causes air sacs in the lungs fill with pus and other liquids, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the blood. Pneumonia affects the lungs in two ways: lobar pneumonia affects the part (or particles) of light, and bronchial pneumonia (also called bronchopneumonia) affects the parts of both lungs. People who are healthy often recover quickly when entering quick and proper care. However, pneumonia is a serious infection that affects thousands of mature people every year. Although the strattera dosing elderly and people with chronic diseases (such as Parkinson's disease), are most at risk, pneumonia can affect anyone. Pneumonia can also cause other infections such as meningitis, an infection in the brain. What is pneumonia? Pneumonia has many causes, but the main reasons are:

Other infectious agents such as fungi (pneumocytis)

In Parkinson's disease, swallowing problems can lead to aspiration, or inhaling the mouth or stomach contents into the lungs. This increases the risk of developing pneumonia. What is bacterial pneumonia? Bacterial pneumonia is pneumonia caused by bacteria.

Pneumococcus is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Vaccines, drugs given as a shot provides protection from this bacteria. One shot provides protection for life. The vaccine does not protect against pneumonia caused by viruses or other bacteria. Who should receive Pneumococcal vaccine? In chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease

have a weak immune system from other causes, such as certain kidney diseases and some cancers

taking medications such as prednisone, which weaken the immune system

What are the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia? Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. Symptoms include:

What is viral pneumonia? Viral pneumonia is pneumonia caused by the virus. About half of all people with pneumonia have viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is usually less severe than bacterial pneumonia, and can take from two to four weeks to recover. What are the symptoms of viral pneumonia? Early symptoms are similar to flu symptoms include:

How can I protect myself from pneumonia? Tell your doctor if you have problems with swallowing. Swallowing evaluation may contribute to further define the risk of aspiration. Get viral influenza (flu) vaccine (shot) each year. Vaccines against influenza are prepared annually before the strain of the virus this year. Influenza can pneumonia infection more likely. Get a pneumococcal vaccine to protect themselves against pneumococcus. Get treatment for any other respiratory infections, especially in the lungs. Wash hands before eating, before preparing food and after going outside. Try to avoid people who have colds or flu. Ask to welcome you when they feel better. Eat a healthy diet, exercise and get enough rest. Contact your doctor if you think you have symptoms. Do not wait until symptoms worsen, as one could develop a dangerous condition. Do not smoke. Do not drink alcohol heavily. As pneumonia treated? Bacterial pneumonia may be antibiotics, medications taken in pill form. Penicillin, such as antibiotics, often given for pneumococcal pneumonia. In some cases, a person must stay in the hospital for treatment. Hospital treatment includes oxygen therapy to increase oxygen in the blood (if necessary) and intravenous fluids (liquid fed through the needle). Medications such as analgesics (to relieve chest pain) and acetaminophen (to reduce the temperature) can be provided. In treatment, bacterial pneumonia usually improves within 24 to 48 hours. Viral pneumonia is usually less serious. The hospital stay rare. Antibiotics can not be used for the treatment of viral pneumonia, but may be given to fight bacterial infection, which is also present. Other drugs, such as the above can be used to reduce symptoms. If you have received antibiotics, make sure you take all medication even if you feel better. If you stop taking medicine too soon, the infection may return and may be more difficult to treat. Drink warm liquids to relieve cough. Using ultrasonic humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. (Ultrasonic humidifiers kill bacteria and mold in water).

Recreation. Do not rush recovery. It may take several weeks to get back full force. Do not smoke. © Copyright 1995-2011 Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved. Can not find the health information you're looking for? This information is available at the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace medical board your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your doctor for advice about a specific health condition. This document was last review: 7/30/2008 ... Index # 9378.