Prevention

The viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious and are usually in fluid from the mouth or nose of an infected person. Illness can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, by sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils, or when a person touches the used tissues or handkerchiefs of an infected person.

Pneumonia

The pneumonia vaccine is the best way to prevent the disease. The following groups should get the shot:

• You are 65 or older
• You have a serious long-term health problem such as heart disease, sickle cell disease, alcoholism, leaks of cerebrospinal fluid, lung disease (not including asthma), diabetes or liver cirrhosis
• Your resistance to infection is lowered due to HIV infection or AIDS; lymphoma, leukemia, or other cancers; cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs; treatment with long-term steroids; bone marrow or organ transplant; kidney failure; nephrotic (kidney) syndrome; damaged spleen or no spleen
• You are an Alaskan-Native or from certain Native-American populations

Bronchitis

The viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis are contagious and are usually in fluid from the mouth or nose of an infected person. The illness can spread by coughs, sneezes or close contact. Wash your hands after touching common things such as doorknobs. Keep a dry hand sanitizer at your desk and at home.

Increase your resistance to all respiratory diseases by quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and exercising regularly.

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.