Pneumonia Epidemic

    While many people are rushing to get their flu shots before the impending season, there is another disease that they need to be aware of.  Over the past month, doctors across Central Indiana have witnessed a dramatic rise in school-aged children coming in with pneumonia.  With this rise in pneumonia, it is important that people are properly informed on its cause and ways to prevent it.

    Pneumonia can be caused by both bacterial and viral infection.  It is an airborne disease, but can be contracted in other ways.  It is most common that a person will contract pneumonia after having the flu, a cold, or other illnesses.  After having illnesses like these, the body’s immune system becomes weakened, and is unable to fight off the invading pneumonia pathogens.  These pathogens will attack the host’s lungs.

    After contracting pneumonia, common symptoms will be coughing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, chest tightness, fatigue, nausea, and a fast heartbeat.  The sooner this disease is caught, the easier it will be to treat it.  Treatments can often occur at home, but sometimes require hospitalization.  Remember it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to pneumonia.

    The best way to prevent the spread of pneumonia is by washing your hands frequently, and by avoiding others who have been sick.  Get plenty of sleep, and eat healthy.
 Staff Reporter- Maddie Wright