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Pneumonia is a leading cause of major sickness and death for people in the United States over 65 years old.

Cherie Noe, M.D., a geriatrician at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, says, “Fortunately, there is an effective vaccine available for pneumonia; although, only about 64 percent of people over 65 are immunized. Older adults and their caregivers need to be aware of the importance of this vaccine.”

Pneumonia is basically an infection or inflammation of the lungs that is primarily caused by viruses and bacteria; however, it can also be caused by inhalation of food, liquid, or dust. Sometimes colds and the flu can develop into pneumonia, particularly in the elderly or in people with weakened immune systems.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia, and, according to the American Lung Association, results in about 40,000 deaths each year. It is generally spread by breathing bacteria into the lungs. Once bacteria get into a person’s system, they can multiply in the lungs and cause serious damage. Complicating the disease, particularly in older adults, pneumonia bacteria can move into the bloodstream, resulting in meningitis, a very serious inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, or bacteremia, which can lead to other lung problems and heart problems. Older adults with bacteremia or meningitis are at a high risk of dying.

Young children and adults over 65 are most susceptible to this disease. Anyone with reduced immunity or other chronic conditions, such as obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, asthma, cancer or cardiovascular disease is also particularly susceptible. Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia, which can come on gradually or suddenly, may include dry cough, headache, fever, shortness of breath, yellow sputum and chest pain; however, the elderly may not present with all these symptoms. Instead, they may just be confused or tired and have a cold or congestion. Consequently, anyone over 65 who has cold symptoms that are not improving should seek medical attention.

Pneumonia is usually diagnosed through a review of symptoms, a physical examination, a chest x-ray and a laboratory test of the sputum, in which the bacteria will actually grow if pneumonia is present.

Bacterial pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics, which are generally effective, although Dr. Noe points out that recently some strains of bacteria are becoming increasingly resistance to antibiotics. Consequently, new antibiotics need to be developed. Many times older adults with pneumonia and others with severe cases are hospitalized so they can receive antibiotics intravenously and also because they may need oxygen.

Antibiotics aren’t as effective against viral forms of pneumonia so the recommended treatment for these forms is the same as for the flu—rest and plenty of fluids. In addition, your physician may recommend over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and treat aches and pains.

Dr. Noe emphasizes that the best protection against pneumonia is avoiding it in the first place and the pneumonia vaccine is one of the most protective measures you can take. The pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine is about 80 percent effective in the general population and about 60 percent effective in those over 65. The vaccine may not always prevent pneumonia from developing, but it does reduce the risks of the serious complications of pneumonia, such as meningitis.

Everyone over 65 years old should have the pneumonia vaccine, which is usually only needed one time, except in some high risk adults. The pneumonia vaccine may cause very minor side effects. It’s not produced in eggs like the flu shot so egg allergies are not a concern. A very small group of people may experience local swelling at the injection site.

Dr. Noe also points out that because pneumonia can be a complication of the flu, getting an annual flu vaccine if you’re over 65 may be helpful in avoiding pneumonia. Washing your hands regularly is also an important step to take in avoiding the germs that can cause pneumonia. In addition, staying healthy by eating well, drinking fluids and getting plenty of rest can make a difference in your susceptibility to pneumonia and the colds that can sometimes develop into it. By staying healthy, you keep your immune system strong. When the immune system is worn down, viruses are more likely to attack the respiratory tract, wiping out the body’s normal defense mechanisms so that pneumonia bacteria are more prone to develop.

Dr. Noe says, “Pneumonia is a very serious illness for older adults so everything should be done to avoid it. The pneumonia vaccine is the most important step you can take.”

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