It is important to adopt some important measures to prevent pneumonia. The most important thing is to pay attention to immunity so that your body is fully prepared to fight the infection.

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection (complication of pneumonia), which affects people with weak immunity, especially children and the elderly (pneumonia symptoms in children). It is important to adopt some important measures to prevent pneumonia. The most important thing is to pay attention to immunity so that your body is fully prepared to fight the infection. If you have not been vaccinated, then be more careful and it is very important to protect small children (prevention tips for pneumonia).

To get specific information on prevention of pneumonia, we spoke to Dr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Principal Consultant Pediatrics Neonatology Child Asthma Allergy, Chest Clinic and Child Development Clinic, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute Delhi. On the occasion of World Pneumonia Day (world pneumonia day 2024), Health Shots has brought for all of you, some special ways to prevent pneumonia (prevention tips for pneumonia) suggested by experts.

Know what experts say about prevention

According to Dr. Pradeep Aggarwal, “The most effective way to prevent pneumonia is vaccination. You should also take flu vaccine every year, this strengthens the body's immunity. Good cleaning also reduces the chance of infection. Wash hands thoroughly before eating. Prevent small children from repeatedly touching their faces. A balanced diet and drinking plenty of water increases the body's immunity. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and protein is helpful in avoiding infections. Especially during winter season, avoid going to crowded places. Try to maintain distance from the infected person, so that virus or bacteria infection does not occur. By adopting these simple but important measures, you can prevent serious diseases like pneumonia.”

The vaccine can prevent pneumonia symptoms from becoming severe. Image: Shutterstock

Helpful tips to prevent pneumonia (prevention tips for pneumonia)

1. Vaccination

The most effective way to prevent pneumonia is vaccination. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal vaccines are extremely important for children and the elderly. Flu vaccine should also be taken every year, which strengthens the body's immunity. Pneumococcal vaccine is important for infants, adults over 65, and people at high risk for pneumococcal infection. Other vaccines that may help include the flu vaccine, RSV vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine.

2. Take care of cleanliness

The risk of infection can be reduced by good cleaning. Wash hands thoroughly before eating. Prevent small children from repeatedly touching their faces. Although pneumonia itself is not contagious, it can be caused by a variety of infectious organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Washing your hands is the best way to keep these organisms from entering your respiratory system, along with other hygiene methods.

3. Avoid smoking completely

Smoking weakens the lungs, increasing the risk of infection. People who smoke have a higher risk of pneumonia. That is why do not smoke yourself and advise others to stay away from it. If someone is smoking around you, then advise them to avoid it completely.

Giving healthy diet to children increases their learning ability. Image: Shutterstock

4. Healthy diet and hydration

A balanced diet and plenty of water increases the immunity of the body. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and protein can help you prevent infections. Include immunity boosting foods in your diet, especially citrus fruits, herbal tea, curd, etc. Foods rich in vitamin C boost your immunity, making it easier for the body to fight infections.

5. Distance from crowded places is necessary

Especially during winter season, avoid going to crowded places. It is better to maintain distance from the infected person, so that virus or bacteria infection does not occur. By adopting these easy but important measures, you can prevent serious diseases like pneumonia. If children are going out or going to school, it is important for them to wear a mask, and also tell them why it is important to cover their mouth with a handkerchief while coughing and sneezing. Keep your distance from other children or anyone who is infected, such as if they are coughing.

Try to keep the baby warm. Image: Shutterstock

6. Keep yourself warm

Cold temperatures can weaken your immune system, so try to keep yourself warm. For this, keep the windows and doors of the house closed, use warm bedding and keep your house warm by preventing direct gusts of wind from entering inside the house. In this way you can protect yourself from infection.

7. Avoid alcohol as much as possible

If you drink alcohol, it may be difficult for your body to fight infections. Experts advise to avoid alcohol as much as possible and if you are consuming it, then take special care of its quantity.

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