Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. Common signs of pneumonia can include cough, fever, and trouble breathing.

Vaccines can prevent some types of pneumonia. There are two vaccines that help prevent pneumococcal disease among adults 65 years or older. Both vaccines are safe and effective, but they cannot be given at the same time.

You can also help prevent pneumonia and other respiratory infections by following good hygiene practices. These practices include washing your hands regularly and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Certain people are more likely to get pneumonia:

• Adults 65 years or older
• Children younger than 5 years old
• People who have ongoing medical conditions
• People who smoke cigarettes

Protect your health wit these healthy living practices:  Avoid people who are sick. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible to keep from getting them sick.

You can also help prevent respiratory infections by:

• Washing your hands regularly
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are touched a lot
• Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve
• Limiting contact with cigarette smoke or quitting smoking
• Taking good care of medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)

The Health Department provides both pneumonia vaccines for more information about pneumonia vaccines call our office at 910-893-7550. For more information click here to view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) web site.