Overview:
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing coughing with phlegm or pus, fever or chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Air pollution is the leading risk factor for death from pneumonia in all age groups.
Objectives:
- Raise awareness of the importance of clean air around the world, because every breath counts.
- Raise awareness of ways to prevent pneumonia.
- Raise awareness of the importance of infection control methods.
Facts:
- Pneumonia is the leading infectious disease killer among adults and children, killing 2.5 million people, including 672,000 children, in 2019.
- Vaccines are available to prevent some types of pneumonia and influenza.
- It is important to ensure that children are vaccinated, so doctors recommend a different pneumonia vaccine for children under 2 years of age, and for children between 2 and 5 years of age, who are particularly vulnerable to pneumococcal disease.
- Good hygiene habits should be followed to protect yourself from respiratory infections, which often lead to pneumonia. It is also important to wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid smoking, as smoking destroys the lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.
- Keep your immune system strong, get enough sleep, exercise, and eat a healthy diet regularly.
Official Date:
Globally: November 12th, 2024
Locally: Jumada Al-Awwal 10th,1446H
References:
Health Days 2023 – MOH portal.