Health Days 2021

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World Pneumonia Day

Overview:

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The infection causes the lungs' air sacs (alveoli) to become inflamed and fill up with fluid or pus. That can make it hard for the oxygen you breathe in to get into your bloodstream. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.

This year, World Pneumonia Day, on 12 November 2021, is held during the UN Climate Change Conference. This is a critical moment to bring together the health, air quality and climate community.

Air pollution is the leading risk factor for death from pneumonia across all age groups. Almost a third of all pneumonia deaths were attributable to polluted air, killing around 749,200 in 2019. Household air pollution contributed to 423,000 of these deaths while outdoor air pollution contributed to 326,000.

Facts:

Pneumonia is the single biggest infectious killer of adults and children – claiming the lives of 2.5 million, including 672,000 children, in 2019.
Deaths from COVID-19 added two million more in 2020, bringing the total to more than four million. No other infection causes anywhere near this burden of death.
You must receive a vaccine. Vaccinations are available to prevent some types of pneumonia and influenza. Talk with your doctor about getting these shots. The vaccination guidelines have changed over time so make sure to review your vaccination status with your doctor even if you recall previously receiving a pneumonia vaccine.
Make sure children get vaccinated. Doctors recommend a different pneumonia vaccine for children younger than age 2 and for children ages 2 to 5 years who are at particular risk of pneumococcal disease. Children who attend a group child care center should also get the vaccine. Doctors also recommend flu shots for children older than 6 months.
Practice good hygiene. To protect yourself against respiratory infections that sometimes lead to pneumonia, wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.
Keep your immune system strong. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

Objectives: