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Pneumonia Vaccine Critical for Elderly, Even With Flu Shot
Nov. 9,
2004 – Two years ago, almost 60,000 Americans 65 and older died from
pneumonia – many more than from influenza. Many of the elderly may not
be aware there is a vaccine for pneumonia and that they should seek this
life-saving protection from their doctor, even if they get a flu shot.
The
controversy surrounding the shortage of flu vaccine has over-shadowed
the importance of the vaccine for pneumonia, a serious infection
resulting in inflammation of the lungs, which usually occurs when a
person's defense system is weakened in some way, such as by the flu.
The
elderly are the group hardest hit by pneumonia each year. In 2002 close
to 65,000 people died from pneumonia, 90 percent of those deaths were in
those 65 years or older. Also at high risk are post-operative patients,
people with chronic illnesses such as lung disease, and those living in
a nursing home or other chronic care facility.
The
American Lung Association and other experts are urging the pneumococcal
pneumonia vaccine for these highest risk populations. This type of
pneumonia is responsible for about 30 percent of pneumonia you can catch
outside an institutional setting such as a nursing home or hospital.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is the single most common organism causing
community-acquired pneumonia.
(What
is pneumococcal pneumonia? - Click)
With
the inability of many to get their flu vaccine this year, a pneumonia
vaccine may be an option for some. Those 65 years or older who have been
able to get a flu vaccine should also get a pneumonia vaccine for added
health protection.
Unlike
the flu vaccine the pneumonia vaccine does not need to be administered
every year. Consult your primary care physician to find out whether you
have previously been vaccinated and if so when you may need to be
vaccinated again. Pneumonia vaccines are available and there are no
reports of a supply shortage.
Aside
from flu-like symptoms such as fever, dry cough, headache, muscle pain
and weakness pneumonia symptoms include chest pain, chills with shaking,
mucus producing cough, excessive sweating and rapid heart beat, sore
throat, and difficulty breathing or rapid breathing which may result in
bluish-lips due to lack of oxygen. "It's important that people at risk
for pneumonia get protection in some way, especially if they are unable
to get the flu shot," said Norman H. Edelman, M.D., director of
scientific affairs for the American Lung Association.
Early
diagnosis and effective treatment are key for overcoming pneumonia. If
you experience symptoms of pneumonia call your health care provider
immediately. A hospital stay or recovery at home may be recommended and
you should continue to take the medicine your health care provider
prescribed until you are told to stop. For more information about
pneumonia contact the American Lung Association at 800-LUNG-USA or log
on to
http://www.lungusa.org.
For information on
pneumococcal vaccine
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