Pneumonia Prevention
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
Take Action
- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
- Find a Doctor
- Resource Guide
How to Prevent Pneumonia
Stop Smoking
Tobacco Use Disorder irritates your lungs and interferes with the normal defenses that protect you against infection. If you stop smoking , your lungs will gradually heal themselves. Your doctor can recommend programs or nicotine replacement systems that can help you stop smoking.
Ask Your Doctor About Vitamin C
Vitamin C should be part of your daily diet. It is found in fruit (eg, strawberries, papaya, and kiwi) and vegetables (eg, pepper, broccoli, and peas). Women should get 75 mg of vitamin C per day, and men should get 90 mg. If you do not consume enough vitamin C in your diet, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. Research studies suggest that vitamin C may prevent and treat Pneumonia , but the issue remains unsettled.
Use Precautions to Avoid Infections
Here are some basic steps to help you avoid infection and keep your lungs healthy:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid being near people who are ill.
- Avoid exposure to toxic or damaging fumes. Exposure to gases, chemicals, air pollution, and secondhand smoke can irritate your lungs and make them more vulnerable to infection.
- Eat a healthy diet. Maintaining good nutrition helps keep your immune system strong.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise can help keep your immune system functioning optimally.
- Do not use intravenous (IV) drugs. Using illegal drugs can increase your risk of getting pneumonia, as well as other infectious diseases.
Get Vaccinated
Two types of vaccines can be particularly helpful at protecting you against developing pneumonia:
- Influenza vaccine
- Pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine
Influenza vaccine is given every Fall. It protects you against the types of influenza that are predicted to be in your community that coming winter. You should get the flu shot yearly because having influenza puts you at a high risk of developing pneumonia.
Pneumococcal vaccine is usually needed only once in a lifetime. However, people with a weakened immune system or certain chronic illnesses may later need a booster shot. The vaccine protects you against the pneumonia caused by
People with chronic medical conditions, or who have no spleen, are particularly encouraged to take advantage of these vaccinations.
