Introduction – World Pneumonia is celebrated every year on November 12 across the world to inform and educate individuals about the risks and prevention of pneumonia.  Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that is commonly caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungal infections, which impair the air sacs of the lungs known as alveoli. It also leads to the buildup or accumulation of pus or fluid in the air sacs that make it difficult to breathe.

Pneumonia is also a contagious disease that may be fatal for those individuals who have weak immunity, especially elders and children. It is preventable and treatable but it continues to pose a significant or large threat for poor people especially in developing countries where medical facility is not so good.

Theme –  The theme of World Pneumonia Day in the year 2024 is ‘’Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in its Track’’ which highlights the importance of every breath and to prevent or treat pneumonia by detecting early, preventing, and treating.

Significance – Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection, which inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs can fill with pus or fluid which may cause cough with pus or phlegm, chills, fever, and problems in breathing. There are several organisms including fungi, bacteria, and viruses that may cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is mainly serious for infants or kids, children, and also those individuals who are older than 65. It is also serious for those individuals who have weakened immune systems or any health problems.

The symptoms of pneumonia may depend on several factors such as what type of germ causing the infection, overall health, and age. There are some symptoms of pneumonia are fatigue, cough, nausea, problems in breathing, chest pain in cough or breath, fever, vomiting, and many more.

You can prevent pneumonia by getting vaccinated against viruses and bacteria, which commonly cause it. You can also prevent pneumonia by quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoking which may lower the risk of pneumonia. You should avoid close contact with infected individuals that are suffering from flu or a cold to reduce the risk of pneumonia. You can avoid excessive alcohol consumption to prevent pneumonia.