Harvard Health Publishing and 3 experts weigh in on: How can pneumonia be prevented?

Harvard Health Publishing and 3 experts weigh in on: How can pneumonia be prevented?
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Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

The most effective way to prevent pneumonia in both children and adults is by getting vaccinated. Vaccination prevents the most common type of bacterial pneumonia called Strep pneumoniae. The influenza and COVID vaccines help prevent these two viral infections and the subsequent pneumonia that can make the symptoms much more severe. Regular hand washing and using a mask also helps prevent both catching and spreading germs that can cause pneumonia.

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→ Learn more about pneumonia: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

Answered by Dr. Ipsa Arora

MD (Internal Medicine) · 5 years of experience · USA

The common cause of pneumonia is flu. Getting a flu shot every year can prevent pneumonia. In addition, washing hands, quitting smoking, taking adequate nutrition, and addressing environmental factors can prevent pneumonia.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to pneumonia.

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Answered by Dr. Alex T. Thomas

MD · 40 years of experience · USA

Pneumonia is an infection affecting lungs. This can be prevented by getting vaccinated for flu, maintaining hygiene related to eating, bathing and good nutrition.

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Answered by Dr. Ramamurthy Bangalore

M.D., F.C.C.P., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.S.M. (Pulmonologist) · 30 years of experience · USA

There are two ways of preventing pneumonia; being vaccinated and maintaining hygiene. These vaccines are pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Other practices include; regularly washing hands with warm soapy water, smoking cessation, getting enough sleep, avoid being exposed to ill people, and eating a healthy diet i.e. fiber, fruits, vegetables & lean protein.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to pneumonia.

→ Learn more about pneumonia: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.

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