5 Tips to Prevent Pneumonia

As the weather gets colder and wetter, we start to hear a lot about flu season , but it’s also important to stay informed about another infection that’s potentially dangerous for our older loved ones: Pneumonia. Pneumonia can originate from bacteria, viruses and other causes, but regardless of the cause of infection, it is one of the most common ailments in older adults. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, more than 60% of seniors over 65 get admitted to hospitals due to pneumonia.

5 Tips to Prevent Pneumonia

In fact, those over 65 are more susceptible to pneumonia, and this is due to a variety of reasons, including changes in lung capacity that occur with age, increased exposure to disease in community settings, and the presence of predisposing conditions like cardiopulmonary disease or diabetes.

1. Know the Symptoms of Pneumonia in the Elderly

There are challenges to the diagnosis of pneumonia in seniors because they may not suffer the classic symptoms like fever, chills and cough, according to the Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. Keep an eye out for non-respiratory symptoms like weakness, confusion, delirium or dizziness, or other, more vague symptoms , especially in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which can impair the accurate reporting of pneumonia symptoms. Also, it may be more difficult to notice pneumonia symptoms in seniors with preexisting conditions, so be alert to any changes in your loved one’s health, and see a doctor if any unusual symptoms occur.

2. Practice Good Hygiene Habits

Ordinary respiratory infections, colds and influenza can sometimes lead to pneumonia; the Mayo Clinic advises that you wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of these illnesses. Other types of infections, like oral or dental infections, can also lead to pneumonia, so good dental hygiene is a must. Lastly, if you want to prevent pneumonia in elderly loved ones, make sure you help them avoid others who are ill, whether it’s routine illnesses like colds, flu and respiratory infections, or more serious diseases like measles or chickenpox. All of these can lead to pneumonia.

3. Make Sure Seniors Get Immunized

The Mayo Clinic and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute both advise seniors and others at risk for pneumonia to get vaccinated against bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s a one-time vaccine that can prevent or reduce the severity of pneumonia. Your doctor may also suggest a booster vaccine after 5 years. It’s also a good idea to vaccinate seniors against other illnesses that can lead to pneumonia, particularly influenza.

4. Don’t Smoke

Smoking is a major risk factor for pneumonia , it greatly increases a person’s likelihood of getting the disease, because it harms the ability of the lungs to defend against infection. Quitting smoking can help at-risk seniors defend against pneumonia.

5. Stay in Good General Health

Good overall health habits are critical to preventing pneumonia in seniors and in everybody, because they keep the immune system strong and able to fight off infection. Make sure your loved one follows appropriate nutrition guidelines for seniors, as well as getting plenty of rest and physical exercise.