by Dr. Asma Khan
As cold and flu season continues, the last thing you want to deal with is pneumonia. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prevent getting pneumonia. And there are some great at-home treatments to eliminate it if you’ve already been diagnosed.
Prevention
The number one action to help you prevent getting pneumonia is to get your flu shot every year. Seasonal influenza is a common cause of pneumonia, so getting your flu shot is a great way to help prevent it. It’s also important to remember to wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose, using the bathroom, and before preparing or eating food.
Being aware of your general health is a great preventive measure. Be sure to get plenty of rest, eat well, and exercise regularly to help prevent you from getting sick from viruses and respiratory infections. Since pneumonia often follows respiratory infections, be aware of any symptoms that linger for more than a few days. Of course, not smoking dramatically reduces your risk of getting pneumonia, as tobacco damages the ability of your lungs to fight off infection. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about getting the pneumococcal vaccine.
Recovery Tips
If you’ve already been diagnosed with pneumonia, the following at-home steps can help you recover and avoid any complications.
- Be sure to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Take care of your cough if it is making it hard for you to rest. Coughing is one way your body gets rid of infection, so only try and stop it if it’s severe enough to make breathing difficult, cause vomiting, or prevent rest.
- Talk with your doctor about taking something to help reduce your fever. Remember to be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Your doctor may want to see you again after a week or so of treatment to be sure that you’re getting better. Be sure to call your health care provider if you’re not feeling better, if your cough is getting worse, or if you have other symptoms, like shortness of breath, fever, weakness, or feeling faint.
Pneumonia: What You Need to Know
Even though pneumonia often clears up in two to three weeks, it can also become more serious, especially for older adults, babies, and people dealing with other illnesses. Visit HRHCare Urgent Care or talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as coughing up mucus, fever, or shortness of breath.
About Hudson River Health Care
Founded over 40 years ago as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Hudson River Health Care (HRHCare) is one of the nation’s largest community health providers. The HRHCare network of 43 health centers throughout the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island provides affordable, accessible care to over 225,000 patients annually. The network’s exceptional primary care practitioners, specialists, and support staff have made HRHCare a destination for convenient, high-quality care for all. In 2018, Brightpoint Health, an FQHC network with sites in all five boroughs of New York City, joined HRHCare. www.hrhcare.org
See also:
- It’s Time for Back-to-School Check-Ups, 8/4/2019
- How to Avoid Ankle Sprains, 7/19/2019
- How to Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer, 6/29/29
- Asthma: The What and Why Behind the Wheeze, 5/11/2019
- How to Beat Seasonal Allergies, 4/13/2019
- Beware Impetigo, AKA “School Disease,” 3/10/2019
- Everything To Know About Concussions, 2/17/2019
- How to Avoid UTIs, 10/18/2018
- Back to School Check-ups Are Essential, 8/18/2018
- How To Keep Your Skin Safe During Summer, 6/24/2018
