Pneumonia is an
infection that inflames your lungs and causes your air sacs to fill up with fluid
or pus. The most common symptoms are coughing, fevers, chills, and trouble
breathing. Though it’s a commonly known illness, there is still
a lot of myths surrounding it. How you fight the infection all depends
on your age and health, and how you get the disease can alter the type
of treatment, too. For those over the age of 65, getting vaccinated for
pneumonia and the
flu can help. For others, knowing the facts is key:
Myth: If I am not sick, I am not a carrier.
Fact: Though carrying the disease often leads to illness, just like other infections,
you could be a carrier without showing any symptoms. The best way to prevent
spreading any disease through the winter months is by keeping your hands
clean, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Myth: Pneumonia is not that serious.
Fact: There is no one cause of pneumonia; germs, bacteria, and viruses can all
cause you to become ill. For those with a weakened or compromised immune
system, respiratory failure and other complications can occur. Knowing
the cause of your pneumonia is key to treatment—so is getting medical
treatment early on.
Myth: You are only at risk for severe complications when you're older.
Fact: Pneumonia is the most common cause of invasive bacterial infection in
American children. Though some, like the elderly, might be at higher risk
for severe complications, anyone can get pneumonia, at any time. If ignored,
further complications can occur.
If you are feeling under the weather, or find yourself coughing or wheezing, the
Walk-in Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming, is here to help.
We can provide you with the personal and quality care you need.
Save your spot in line or walk-in today!
Learn more at
www.cchwyo.org/wic.