Pneumonia, a severe lung infection, affects people of all ages. Pneumonia can lead to hospitalization and death, especially in those who are young and old, those with other illnesses like diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and those who are immunocompromised.
Infective pneumonia can be bacterial or viral origin. Among the viruses, influenza A and B are common viruses, along with COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus. Pneumococci, followed by Hemophilus influenza, cause the most common bacterial pneumonia in the community. Various atypical organisms also cause pneumonia.
Various vaccines can help prevent different forms of pneumonia. Some of the commonly available are
1. Pneumococcal vaccines: common ones include Prevenar and Pneumovax 23. These vaccines are given according to the medical conditions and age of the person
2. Flu vaccine: quadrivalent flu vaccine is used annually to prevent influenza (commonly called H1N1!)
3. Hemophilus influenza B: mostly in children
4. COVID vaccine: various types of vaccine against SARS-CoV2
5. BCG: against tuberculosis
6. Respiratory Syncytial Virus: a vaccine is available against RSV
7. TdAP: against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
In our patients with diabetes, we recommend routinely using flu and pneumococcal vaccines to reduce the risk of infections. Talk to your doctor to see if you require any vaccines.
Dr. Deepa G, MHSc (Diab), Dip (Diab)