By Jigna Janani, MD
Adult Hospitalist, Blanchard Valley Health System Medical Staff
Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by germs, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can be a complication following the common cold, flu, COVID-19 infection, sick contact, travel history, exposure to certain farm animals or certain environmental risk factors.
Pneumonia and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia, but it can be life-threatening for a few. The good news is that pneumonia can be prevented by getting an annual flu and COVID-19 shot (as flu and COVID-19 often lead to pneumonia), and for people at high risk, getting a vaccine for pneumococcal pneumonia, as well as the RSV vaccine.
CONTINUES