As flu season approaches and you begin to make doctors' appointments to get your flu shot, consider adding the pneumococcal vaccine to your list as well.
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against bacterial infections which can lead to pneumonia, an infection of the lungs which hospitalizes 400,000 people in the United States every year.
Both pneumonia and influenza are the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. according to the American Lung Association.
Bacteria can spread as easily as the common cold, and it becomes increasingly widespread during the winter months when everyone is in closer contact with each other and stuck indoors.
There are two types of pneumonia: viral and bacterial. Cases of pneumonia caused by other viruses tend to be less severe and mimic the symptoms of the seasonal flu such as fever, cough, headache and weakness.
Bacterial pneumonia symptoms can be presented as chills, chest pains, sweats, increased breathing and pulse rate, bluish colored nails or lips, and severe cough which produces rust colored or greenish mucus.
Those under the age of 5 and over 65 are strongly advised to get vaccinated, as well as those with medical conditions which put them at higher risk for catching an infection.
Adults aged 19-64 with chronic diseases or respiratory conditions that can cause a weakened immune system such as asplenia, sickle cell, asthma, diabetes, or cigarette smokers may need doses of the vaccine every five years.
Pneumonia can cause these existing medical conditions to worsen.
Over time, the disease has evolved and become more resistant to the antibiotics that are usually used to treat it.
This is why doctors are urging patients to receive the vaccine at all ages, especially if they have high risk factors.
Other ways to prevent the onset of pneumonia, besides the vaccine, include receiving the yearly flu shot, practicing good hygiene, not smoking, and getting plenty of rest and exercise.
If you do catch pneumonia it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Children 2 years old and younger should be treated and observed at a hospital since their immune systems are not as strong.
The quicker the treatment is administered the less likely it is for the infection to worsen and affect other organs which could ultimately lead to death.
The vaccine can be given at any time of the year, though most choose to get it at the same time as their regular flu shot.
So as you are stocking up on hand sanitizer and Lysol this flu season, consider taking an extra precaution and receiving the pneumonia vaccination as well.
Dr. Raza Afzal is a primary care physician with UM Baltimore Washington Primary Care in Millersville. To reach Dr. Afzal, please call 410-553-8090.