WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY

“Pneumonia affects Everyone”

An illness called pneumonia causes the air sacs in one or both lungs to become inflamed. The air sacs may swell with fluid or pus (purulent material), which can lead to a cough that produces pus or phlegm, a fever, chills, and breathing difficulties.

November 12, 2022, is designated as World Pneumonia Day. World Pneumonia Day 2022 aims to raise awareness of the most common and lethal disease in the world, pneumonia. The goal of eradicating all disease-related deaths by 2030 is also why this Day is observed globally.

Hippocrates, a Greek physician, was the first to describe the signs and symptoms of pneumonia in approximately 460 BC. Scholars weren't able to recognize pneumonia as its own infection and not only a symptom of other diseases until the 19th century, despite the fact that it went by numerous names and was frequently classified as a disease.

The first World Pneumonia Day was marked on November 12, 2009, as part of the "Stop Pneumonia" campaigns of the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia, a grouping of diverse institutions working to reduce the number of children dying from respiratory infections.

High fever (up to 105° F), Tiredness (fatigue), Trouble breathing: rapid breathing or shortness of breath, Sweating, Chills, Cough with mucus (might be greenish in color or contain a small amount of blood), Chest pain and/or abdominal pain, especially with coughing or deep breathing, Loss of appetite, Confused mental state or changes in awareness (especially in older adults)

There are various ways to prevent pneumonia, but getting vaccinated against it is the best option. There are currently two vaccines available to help prevent pneumococcal illness. The first, PCV13, defends against 13 different pneumococcal bacteria, while the second, PPSV23, defends against a further 23 strains.

Infectious diseases like pneumonia can be prevented and treated. Various public and private groups are encouraged to participate in World Pneumonia Day 2022 and conduct campaigns at their local levels to disseminate preventive measures, provide facilities, and ensure that no one is denied immunizations.