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How To Avoid Getting Pneumonia . 70 Year Old Female,
Question: how to avoid getting pneumonia. 70 year old female, history of several bouts, one very severe, This was 24 months ago. should have been hospitalized. Past history of CT scan, ECHO, chest x ray (recent as 6 mos ago due to flu infection) breathing test, etc. all clear. CT scan found pouch of mucus in one lung causing distress. Saw pulmonologist regularly. No COPD or asthma diagnosed. Have since moved to SC, very humid summer, high temps. Coughing and gagging has returned. Been walking and overheated to train for a breast cancer walk in early Oct.
Brief Answer:
Take adult respiratory vaccines.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Pneumonia is considered as respiratory infection.
Best way to prevent any infection is vaccination.
Adult respiratory vaccines like influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available and indicated in patients with age above 60 years.
Influenza vaccine should be taken annually (once a year).
And pneumococcal vaccine should be taken every 5 years.
If you take these vaccines regularly, there is 80 % reduced risk of respiratory infections.
So ask your doctor about these vaccines.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Take adult respiratory vaccines.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Pneumonia is considered as respiratory infection.
Best way to prevent any infection is vaccination.
Adult respiratory vaccines like influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are available and indicated in patients with age above 60 years.
Influenza vaccine should be taken annually (once a year).
And pneumococcal vaccine should be taken every 5 years.
If you take these vaccines regularly, there is 80 % reduced risk of respiratory infections.
So ask your doctor about these vaccines.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I did not include that I had a series of 2 pneumonia shots the last 2 years as recommended by my Doctor.
Do you have any other suggestion how to stay well? I have flu vaccine annually as well.
Do you have any other suggestion how to stay well? I have flu vaccine annually as well.
Brief Answer:
General measures are also useful.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask A Doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
First of all sorry for late reply as I was busy with a social cause.
If you are taking pneumococcal and influenza vaccines then you are 80% protected.
No other respiratory vaccines are available till date.
Other general measures like following are helpful to prevent respiratory infections:
1. Wearing a mask in public places
2. Avoiding unnecessary hospital visits.
3. Do regular warm water gargles and steam inhalation 4-5 times a day.
4. Do deep inhalation exercise
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol (if at all do).
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
General measures are also useful.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask A Doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
First of all sorry for late reply as I was busy with a social cause.
If you are taking pneumococcal and influenza vaccines then you are 80% protected.
No other respiratory vaccines are available till date.
Other general measures like following are helpful to prevent respiratory infections:
1. Wearing a mask in public places
2. Avoiding unnecessary hospital visits.
3. Do regular warm water gargles and steam inhalation 4-5 times a day.
4. Do deep inhalation exercise
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol (if at all do).
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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