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Every year, November 12 is known as the International Day against Pneumonia, which appeared on the calendar at the suggestion of the World Coalition against Juvenile Pneumonia. And in 2009 The World Health Organization, in partnership with UNICEF, has announced a Global Plan to Fight Pneumonia and Prevention, which aims to increase immunization rates and reduce mortality rates.

Pneumonia is an acute infectious, viral, bacterial, fungal, inflammatory process that involves the alveoli and respiratory bronchioles and is most common in children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases. About 72% of cases of pneumonia in adults and 88-89% of children under 5 years of age are associated with pneumococcus. 450 million people are diagnosed with pneumonia each year, of which 7 million cases end in death and more than 1.4 million of children under 5 years of age. Antibiotic resistance also plays a role in the development of such indicators. In our country, uncontrolled and unregulated prescriptions of antibiotics have led to the formation and wide spread of antibiotic-resistant strains, which, in turn, complicates the treatment of pneumonia.

Immunization plays an important role in the prevention of pneumonia. Pneumococcal vaccination is included in the national immunization program in about 103 countries around the world. In Armenia, too. Currently, 13 valence pneumococcal vaccines are used in Armenia - Preven 13. Babies get their first vaccination at 1.5 months, then at 3 and 4.5 months. Adults receive the vaccine twice, with the second dose 12 months after the first dose. It is important that people with chronic illnesses (diabetes, asthma, COPD), regardless of age, get a pneumococcal vaccine. It may also be the seasonal flu vaccine that is most targeted to these target groups.

By the way, according to the WHO, the global use of pneumococcal vaccination in 2030 will prevent about 5.4-7.7 million infant deaths.

Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cough, sputum, general weakness, and should not be treated at home with self-medication.

Do prevent, be examined and be treated in the pulmonary department of Nairi MC, where you will receive medical care according on international experience.