Pneumonia - Treatment & Services
How is pneumonia treated?
How long will the effects of pneumonia last?
How can I reduce my chances of developing pneumonia?
What is the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?
Who should receive the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?
How is pneumonia treated?
Pneumonia is most often treated with antibiotics and either a home care program (including rest, fluids, and observation) for milder cases or hospitalization for more serious cases. People with pneumonia should get plenty of rest and sleep and drink a lot of liquids.
Conditions that could warrant a hospital stay include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty staying hydrated
- Lack of a caregiver at home.
During a hospital stay for pneumonia, a person may:
- Be given oxygen
- Be given IV (intravenous) fluids
- Be checked often by nursing staff. Electronic equipment will check pulse and oxygen levels.
- Have x-rays taken several times.
How long will the effects of pneumonia last?
If the pneumonia is caused by bacteria, a person will begin to feel better 2 to 3 days after the start of antibiotics. Provided the person is in good health, patients should feel close to normal after a week or so. If the person is over 60 years old or has other medical problems, it may take longer to feel normal. If the pneumonia is caused by a virus, a person should begin to feel better in just a few days.
How can I reduce my chances of developing pneumonia?
Ways to reduce the risk for pneumonia include:
- Quitting smoking
- Getting a flu shot every fall to protect against the flu
- Getting the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine (Pneumovax®) if you have a chronic illness or are over age 65. Adults over the age of 65 should have a second dose if they had the shot before they were 65 and it has been more than five years since the first shot.
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising according to your health care provider's advice.
What is the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?
The pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine (Pneumovax®) helps prevent pneumonia caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. Of the 80 different types of pneumococcus bacteria, 23 of the most common are covered in the current vaccination.
Who should receive the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine?
You should receive the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine if you have a chronic illness or are over age 65. Adults over the age of 65 should have a second dose if they had the shot before age 65 and it has been more than five years since their last flu shot.
To schedule an appointment with a Temple Lung Center physician click here or call 1-800-TEMPLE-MED (1-800-836-7536).
Pneumovax® is a registered trademark of Merck & Co, Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ
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