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Relentless Boston winters contribute to the spread of some of the microbes responsible for respiratory infections, including pneumonia. As one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions in the country, this disease continues to cause fatalities in up to five percent of patients.

“Pneumonia is the most common infectious lung disease,” says Stephen Zinner, M.D., Chair, Department of Medicine at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. “But awareness of proper preventive and treatment measures can often reduce your risk or minimize the severity of the illness.”

Pneumonia’s strength
Pneumonia is an infection deep in the lungs. Rates of this widespread infection tend to follow influenza infection, which is usually more frequent in winter. The disease can be caused by a number of different types of germs including bacteria, viruses or occasionally fungi.

Although anyone can develop pneumonia, those without an optimal lung defense system are at an increased risk. This group may include:

• Young children
• Older adults
• Those battling influenza or the common cold 
• Those with a chronic lung disease 
• Heavy smokers and alcohol users

“These individuals need to make sure they receive both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines,” says Dr. Zinner. “Staying free of pneumonia partly begins with staying free of the flu.”

Dr. Zinner recommends staying home when you’re ill, covering your cough in your sleeve and washing your hands frequently. Quitting smoking, drinking in moderation, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of fluids can also help guard against this illness.

People aged 65 and older, along with smokers and other individuals with heart or lung problems, should receive the pneumococcal vaccine as well.

When pneumonia does strike, varied symptoms can set in quickly, including:

• Cough productive of sputum (mucus)
• Fever
• Chest pain on inhalation
• Chills
• Fatigue

“The most telling signs are a cough with fever,” says Dr. Zinner. “Once these symptoms begin, individuals should see their doctor.”

Without medical attention, pneumonia can be fatal. Bacteria that cause pneumonia can spread to the bloodstream and can cause infections around the heart or the lining of the brain, which are very serious complications.

Treatments are more powerful
Physicians diagnose pneumonia by listening to patients’ lungs for abnormal sounds. Chest X-rays are then used to confirm the presence of the infection. Doctors may also obtain sputum specimens and a blood test.

Most bacterial pneumonia treatments require one or more antibiotics and plenty of fluids and rest. “When patients are diagnosed and treated early, outcomes are better,” says Dr. Zinner. Over the course of three to five days, most patients begin feeling better. For those with influenza, rest and treating the cough at home is usually enough, but antiviral medications are available for influenza pneumonia.

Mount Auburn Hospital staff is dedicated to keeping the community well. “This season has brought on a heightened awareness of the flu,” says Dr. Zinner. “More cases of the flu correlate with more cases of pneumonia. At Mount Auburn Hospital, we encourage patients to take a preventive approach to reduce the risk and severity of pneumonia.”

For a free Mount Auburn Hospital physician directory, please call us at (617) 499-5094.