An ounce of prevention: Vaccinations can prevent serious lung diseases in adults

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Many adults mistakenly believe that they no longer need vaccinations to protect themselves against certain preventable diseases. However, vaccinations can actually prevent the onset of two potentially dangerous lung diseases: pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a lung infection that, if left unchecked, can lead to more serious conditions such as meningitis, bacteremia, and even death, particularly among older adults. The disease is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria and can be transmitted through airborne droplets.

Common symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include fever and chills, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and cough.

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious illness caused by a variety of flu viruses. Although most people who contract influenza usually recover within a few weeks, some people will develop serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. People with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV and organ transpant patients, older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with chronic illnesses are at a higher risk of developing these complications.

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Treatment for both pneumococcal pneumonia can be very time-intensive, involving various tests, medication, bed rest, and even hospitalization.

To prevent pneumococcal pneumonia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the pneumococcal vaccine, especially for individuals 65 years old or older, have a long-term health condition, low resistance to infection, and are Alaskan Natives or a Native Americans.

For influenza, the CDC recommends that individuals over the age of six months get a flu shot once every year. The vaccine is seasonal and differs from year to year, to account for the highly variable influenza virus. The vaccine comes in traditional, high-dose, intradermal, and egg-free variants, and also comes as a nasal spray.

Those considering getting either the pneumococcal pneumonia or influenza vaccine should speak with their health care provider for more information on its risks as well as its benefits.

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Lisa Marie Cannon, MD is a pulmonary disease specialist in New Jersey. Like this Facebook page for discussions on lung disease vaccinations.