Preventing Pneumonia

Pneumococcal vaccine. There are approximately 98 different strains of pneumococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae). PCV13 vaccine protects against 13 different strains of pneumococcus bacteria, while PPSV23 provides protection against 23 different serotypes.

PCV13 vaccine can offer permanent protection and is recommended for the following individuals:

• All adults aged 65 or over.
• Adults aged 19 or over and who have certain illnesses.

PPSV23 vaccine protects for 5-7 years and is recommended for the following individuals:

• All adults aged 65 or over.
• Adults aged from 19 to 64 years and who have certain illnesses or are active smokers.

It is important to remember that the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines should not be co-administered. Patients indicated both vaccines should receive the PCV13 vaccination first, followed by the PPSV23 vaccine approximately 6 months later.

PCV20 has recently been developed and will replace PCV13, as it protects against 20 different types of the bacteria and can also offer permanent protection.

Flu or influenza vaccine. Flu, or influenza, is a disease that can sometimes lead to hospitalisation and occasionally even cause death. In Spain, the flu season runs from the end of autumn until the start of spring. It generally affects 1–5% of the population; however, epidemics can affect up to 40–50% of those aged over 65.

Flu virus antibodies can already be detected roughly 2 weeks after administering a flu vaccine. These antibodies provide protection against infection from the viruses included in the vaccine. The flu vaccine can prevent influenza in 70–90% of otherwise healthy people aged over 65.

The vaccine must be administered to all individuals presenting an increased risk of complications (the elderly, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women) or healthy people who are in close contact with those who are at risk of developing influenza (e.g., healthcare personnel).

Anyone with an egg allergy should talk with their primary care physician before getting vaccinated.

Stop smoking. Smoking equates to a 4‑fold increase in the rate of CAP. Quitting smoking halves the risk of CAP in the next 5 years.

Consume less alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with a greater risk of developing a more severe case of pneumonia because it affects vital parts of the immune system. What is more, alcoholics often develop liver damage and malnutrition, which both increase the risk of pneumonia.

Ensure an adequate nutritional status. Malnutrition not only elevates the possibility of contracting pneumonia but also increases the chance that a pneumonia infection will have a fatal outcome. Efforts to ensure appropriate nutritional status are very important when preventing infections such as pneumonia.

Avoid contact with sick children. Try to avoid contact with sick children, especially any with a respiratory infection. This recommendation is aimed especially at unvaccinated elderly adults and those  who suffer from a chronic disease that makes them more vulnerable to infections.

Keep proper oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of pneumonia. Poor oral hygiene contributes to the formation of dental plaque and the colonization of the mouth by microorganisms that can reach the lungs. Most studies demonstrating this association between poor oral hygiene and the risk of pneumonia have focused especially on older adults and those in nursing homes. Therefore, these populations in particular are recommended to visit the dentist at least once a year.