Facts About Pneumonia: Understanding the Risks and Prevention for Independent Living

As you get older, you become more susceptible to getting pneumonia. According to the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, studies show that people aged 65-69 get pneumonia at a rate of 18.2 people per 1,000 people. And in the age group of 85 years and older, cases increase to 52.3 people per 1,000 people. Developing pneumonia can be severe for seniors, especially if they have any other underlying conditions. Maintaining healthy habits is critical as they continue independent living, and here are some facts about pneumonia.

Common Pneumonia Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms and signs of pneumonia include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Chest pain while coughing or breathing normally
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Coughing with phlegm

These symptoms may be more severe in some seniors than others, so it’s important to prioritize senior care and take all the precautions necessary to keep them safe. As a caregiver, monitor these symptoms very closely and if they begin acting out of the ordinary, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Risk Facts About Pneumonia

Age is a risk factor for getting pneumonia. People who have weak immune systems are also more susceptible to getting pneumonia since their bodies aren’t strong enough to fight off the infection. And people with existing respiratory issues or who have experienced viral infections in the past have a higher risk of getting pneumonia. If your elderly loved one is considered high-risk for developing pneumonia, help them incorporate healthy habits to boost their immune system as much as possible so their body can fight off the infection.

Preventing And Treating Pneumonia

As with any infection or disease, prevention is not always possible; however, there are several things you can do to lower the chances of getting pneumonia. Your doctor may recommend getting the pneumococcal vaccine and the flu shot. But some other ways are practicing healthy habits like eating balanced meals, staying physically active, and washing hands thoroughly.

As far as treatment goes, it’s recommended to visit a doctor when you start showing signs. Since there are different types of pneumonia, the doctor needs to examine you to determine the best treatment. The goal is to stop the infection before any major complications arise, and you can often do that from the comfort of your home rather than in a hospital.

Developing pneumonia can be devastating for seniors. Staying physically active is a great way to boost your immune system, and Next Day Access can help. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn about our mobility products that can help your elderly loved one move around with ease.