Health: Increase in the number of pneumonia patients to more than 38,000 in Peru

The main infectious causes of death in people over 65 are: pneumonia and the flu. Therefore, vaccination in this age group is a priority for public health and in the vaccinations recommended, the pneumococcal vaccine (It has been included in the vaccination schedule for adult adults 60 years for the year 2019).

In addition, there are 15,739 episodes of pneumonia over 60 years, 23.6% more than what was reported in 2017 and 1005 deaths.

Complications caused by pneumonia

In the specific case of the adult population, the pneumonia can be a big burden since adults with pneumonia can suffer significant consequences because of the infection

For example, the pneumonia may lead to potential complications, such as respiratory failure (which requires a respirator or a fan) and septicemia (a condition in which there is an uncontrolled inflammation in the body that can cause widespread failure of an organ).

Symptoms, such as weakness, difficulty breathing and fatigue, can also take several weeks to disappear.

Can we prevent pneumonia?

Oscar Gayoso, pneumologist and former president of the Peruvian Society of Pneumology, points out that the majority of cases of this disease could be prevented by vaccinating the population at risk because studies show that vaccination decreases the number of episodes of Respiratory infection.

Although the pneumonia It occurs mainly during the low temperature seasons, the specialist recommends to remain vigilant all the year.

"In most cases, the pneumonia start with a viral image. The vaccinations can prevent the spread of the virus from the Influenza, responsible for 80% of hospitalizations and deaths Viral pneumoniaand pneumococcal infection (the most common Community pneumonia). In general the disease caused by pneumococcus is associated with poor immune system response and the patient's medical history. The children and the elderly are the most vulnerable populations and, in the event of respiratory distress, a medical evaluation must be carried out. It is the people who benefit the most from the vaccination, "Gayoso said.

Other preventive measures against pneumonia

Although the specialist states that the vaccination is the main action to avoid this disease, also recommends other preventive measures such as avoiding contact with sick people, frequent hand washing, keeping warm and eating food food which increase the body defenseslike fruits rich in vitamin C (strawberries, kiwi, citrus fruits).

On the other hand, he suggests attending the center of the health When the patient has respiratory symptoms and that he must be brought urgently in the presence of a high fever, difficulty breathing or impaired sensorium, there is clues of a possible severe pneumonia.

Faced with this problem of the health "Every year, Pfizer recognizes the importance of World Pneumonia Day and the importance of helping to prevent this potentially life-threatening disease.

Pneumonia in adults, including pneumococcal pneumonia, it can be serious and the consequences of disease they can be substantial, "said Ana Dolores Román, executive director of Pfizer Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.

"We hope that all adults over 65 from Peru and around the world will benefit from this day to talk to their doctors about how to protect themselves," she said.

About World Pneumonia Day

Founded in 2009, this day aims to raise awareness of this issue. disease and the potential dangers, that's a lot for children as for adults around the world. The World Day Against Pneumoniacelebrated annually on November 12, has also become an important moment where organizations from around the world come together to spark a debate on disease, to promote interventions to prevent and treat it, as well as to take measures to combat it.

What is pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumonia, which includes pneumococcal pneumonia it's a infection serious that can cause death in children at the World level; however, the disease can also have serious consequences for adults, in part because of the deterioration of immunological system related to age.

The term pneumococcal disease, including pneumococcal pneumonia refers to a group of diseases caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus.

This one bacterium (S. pneumoniae) has also been identified as the most common bacterial cause of NAC in the world; the NAC represents the bulk of the burden of pneumococcal disease in adults. Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include coughing, high fever, chills, and shortness of breath.

Although anyone can get the pneumococcal diseasesome people are at increased risk of infection, including children under two years and adults 65 years and older. Other risk factors for pneumococcal pneumonia include diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and one immunological system Depressed Smoking and alcoholism also increase the risks.