Pneumonia is an infectious lung disease that can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, which can endanger life in serious cases. The following are some of the effective methods to prevent pneumonia:
Maintenance of good hygiene practices • Hand-washing: this is a fundamental step in the prevention of pneumonia. Hands are exposed to a variety of objects and are susceptible to the contamination of pathogens. Hand-washing with soap and mobile water, careful hand-braining, back-to-back, finger stitches, nails, etc., can be effective in removing bacteria and viruses from hands for no less than 20 seconds. An alcoholic hand-washing fluid may also be used in the absence of mobile water. For example, hands are washed in a timely manner after contact with public goods, before meals and when they return from outside. • Correct coughing and sneezing: When coughing or sneezing, paper towels should be applied to cover mouths and noses to avoid foaming the pathogen. If it is too late to get a tissue, use the inside side of the elbow to cover your nose and nose. When used, the tissue should be thrown into a covered trash can and wash hands as soon as possible. This would prevent the spread of bacteria or viruses in the foam in the air and reduce the risk of infection.
II. Strengthening exercise and maintaining a good lifestyle • Moderate exercise: regular physical exercise can enhance physical health and improve body immunity, thereby reducing the risk of pneumonia. At least 150 minutes of aerobics per week, such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc. Sport can promote blood circulation, make immune cells better cycling within the body and perform defensive functions. At the same time, the exercise enhances the CPR function and makes the lung healthier. For example, the persistence of a 30-minute jogging per day can, over the long term, effectively enhance the resilience and immunity of the body. • A balanced diet: diet should include nutrients to maintain normal physical function and immunity. Ensure that sufficient proteins, such as skinny meat, fish, beans, eggs, dairy products, etc., are consumed, which are necessary for the construction and repair of tissues and for the manufacture of antibodies. More fresh vegetables and fruit, which are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carrotin, can increase the resilience of organisms to oxidation and help the body to withstand pathogens. For example, fruits such as oranges and strawberries are rich in vitamin C and vegetables such as spinach and broccoli contain multiple vitamins and minerals, which are important for maintaining health. Attention should also be paid to the appropriate levels of carbohydrates and healthy fats and to avoiding over-ingestion of high sugar, fat and salty foods. • Adequate sleep: Sleep is an important time for physical recovery and the proper functioning of the immune system. High-quality sleep should be guaranteed 7 – 8 hours a day. During sleep, the body is self-rehabilitated and the immune system produces antibodies, etc., against pathogens. Long-term lack of sleep leads to reduced immunity and increases the risk of pneumonia.
Avoiding exposure to pathogens • Stay away from sources of infection: Avoid, to the extent possible, reaching densely populated, poorly ventilated sites, such as malls, cinemas, hospitals, etc. during the pneumonia epidemic season. These places are heavily staffed and vulnerable to the presence of pathogens, increasing the risk of infection. If travel is necessary, it is advisable to wear masks and reduce close contact with others. For example, during the high-prevalence flu season, there may be more influenza viruses in the respiratory wards of hospitals and around clinics, and long stays should be avoided if not necessary. • Attention to ventilation: Maintaining indoor air flow is an effective way to reduce pathogens’ concentrations. Every day, windows should be ventilated to allow fresh air to enter the room to dilute possible bacteria and viruses. It is generally recommended that there be 2 – 3 ventilations per day for about 30 minutes each. In rooms where air conditioning is used, more attention is paid to ventilation, as air conditioning environments are prone to bacteria and fungus. • Prevention of respiratory infections: Since many pneumonia is caused by the spread of upper respiratory infections, the prevention of respiratory infections such as flu is important for the prevention of pneumonia. Specific respiratory infections can be prevented by vaccination against influenza, pneumonia, etc. Influenza vaccinations are administered once a year and are effective in preventing influenza virus-induced infections; pneumonia vaccines can prevent pneumonia caused by common pathogens, such as pneumocococcal, and are particularly important for the elderly, children and populations at high risk of chronic diseases.
IV. Preventive measures for specific population groups • Older persons and children: the physical deterioration of older persons, the incomplete development of the child immunization system and the high risk of pneumonia. Older people need to be careful to stay warm and actively treat basic diseases such as chronic bronchitis and diabetes, which increase the risk of pneumonia. Children must develop good hygiene practices and be vaccinated on time, and parents must take care of their children ‘ s nutrition and living conditions. • Chronically ill: people with chronic heart disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, etc., are less immune and vulnerable to pneumonia. They are required to exercise strict control over basic diseases and to treat them as recommended by doctors, while paying attention to strengthening self-protection, such as avoiding exposure to sources of infection and enhancing nutrition. The combined measures described above can effectively reduce the risk of pneumonia and protect lung health.
