Pneumonia Myths and Facts

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.