News Taffy

There are so many simple things we can do for our health that I’m amazed when people don’t do them. Some things are free, like walking a few times a week, while others have a small price tag relative to the benefit we receive, like getting the pneumonia vaccine. In case you didn’t know, pneumonia is still a leading cause of death in the United States despite all our medical advances.

My family is no stranger to the tragic consequences of pneumonia as it has taken several of my relatives’ lives. Three years ago, my brother in law passed away from complications of pneumonia when he was only 55. My father also died from pneumonia at age 85 but he had been paralyzed for 5 years and living in a nursing home. So who is at risk for developing pneumonia and who should get the pneumonia vaccine?

Those with the highest risk of developing pneumonia are:

*Those over the age of 65

*Anyone with a weakened immune system

*Those with Parkinson’s disease

*Children under the age of 2

*Anyone with a heart or lung disease

*Alcoholics

*Those with kidney failure

*Diabetics

If you fall into one or more of these categories, discuss the pneumonia vaccine with your doctor. Unlike the flu shot, there is no certain time of the year that is best to get the shot. There are few side effects from the shot but you might experience redness, swelling or soreness at the injection site, muscle aches or a low fever. The price of the vaccine varies from around $25 to $70. If you have Medicare Part B, the cost of the shot is covered. Most people only need the shot once in their lifetime but talk with your doctor as you may need a booster at some point.

Pneumonia kills about 1 out of 20 people who get it. At the least, it will make you very sick. There are two types of pneumonia: bacterial and viral but the vaccine only protects against the bacterial kind. The symptoms of viral pneumonia include low fever, chills, muscles aches, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat and a cough, chest pain and fatigue. Bacterial pneumonia is more serious and the symptoms include a high fever, cough with mucus, shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that may be worse with a deep breath, rapid breathing, abdominal pain and severe fatigue. If you have these symptoms, or someone under your care does, seek medical attention immediately as you will need treatment with antibiotics to get better and avoid complications.

If you are in one of the high risk categories, or someone you love is, consider getting the vaccine soon. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind and better health.