Pneumonia: who is at high risk and who is important to get a flu and pneumococcus vaccine

Pneumonia can develop as an independent disease or become a complication of SARS, influenza and bronchitis. About groups of increased risk told the Russian physician, pulmonologist Alexei Nikishenkov, writes sb.by.

According to the specialist, the infection sometimes immediately affects the lungs, and in other cases descends from the upper respiratory tract. For example, after inflammation of the throat or bronchi, the bacterial process can spread lower and lead to pneumonia. The risk also increases with viral infections when the immune system is weakened.

“Children under five years of age are particularly at risk. Their immunity still continues to form, the expert noted. People over 65 are also more vulnerable, as chronic diseases are often present at this age and the body’s ability to resist infections decreases.

Nikishenkov added that pneumonia can be more severe in patients with immunodeficiencies, including HIV infection, as well as in people with chronic lung diseases. Additional risk factors are diabetes, hypertension and smoking. In smokers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is especially common, which can cause respiratory tract infections to be more severe.

“It is important for these people to discuss vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal infection with a doctor,” Nikishenkov said.

In pneumonia, the inflammatory process affects the alveoli (air sacs where gas exchange occurs). Normally, they are filled with air, and when the disease is filled with fluid and pus, which leads to respiratory failure. - Approx. Rash in meningococcal infection: the doctor explained when urgent help is needed