Breathe well: Your go-to guide for pneumonia prevention

Even a mild cough or runny nose can sometimes be overlooked—but these symptoms may lead to more serious conditions like pneumonia.

In fact, one in 20 adults with pneumococcal pneumonia dies from the disease.¹ Even more alarming, a child dies of pneumonia every 43 seconds worldwide.²

What Causes Pneumonia?³

Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The most common types are bacterial pneumonia and viral pneumonia.

Bacterial vs. Viral Pneumonia: What’s the Difference?

Bacterial Pneumonia

The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia⁴

• Fever and chills
• Cough with thick phlegm
• Fast or unusually slow heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Chest or abdominal pain when coughing or breathing deeply
• Loss of appetite
• Bluish lips or face discoloration
• Confusion (especially in adults 65 and older)
• rritability in children

Viral Pneumonia

Viral pneumonia often develops from flu-related infections and accounts for one (1) in three (3) pneumonia cases.³

Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia³ ⁶

• Fever
• Chills
• Dry cough
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headache
• Fatigue

Because viral and bacterial pneumonia can appear very similar, it’s important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Preventing Pneumonia⁵

Preventing pneumonia starts with simple, everyday habits:

• Practice good hygiene through frequent handwashing.
• Wear a mask in crowded or high-risk areas.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Reduce exposure to household air pollution (e.g., smoke from wood, coal, animal waste, or kerosene used in cooking).

For infants, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months helps provide immunity from the mother.

Vaccination: Your Best Protection

Protection is always better than cure. Vaccines are highly recommended for preventing pneumonia and its complications. Talk to your doctor about vaccination against:

• Influenza (yearly)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Whooping cough

Remember, pneumonia is preventable, treatable, and often avoidable with proper care and vaccination.