Men's Health

Influenza and Pneumonia

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Pneumonia is a serious infection and/or inflammation of your lungs. The air sacs in the lungs fill with pus and other liquid. Oxygen has trouble reaching your blood. If there is too little oxygen in your blood, your body cells can't work properly. Because of this and spreading infection through the body pneumonia can cause death.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications.

The risk of death from pneumonia or influenza is higher for people with heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system due to AIDS. You can reduce your risk of problems and death from pneumonia and influenza by getting immunized.

• A yearly flu shot is up to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults under the age of 65. The pneumococcal vaccine can reduce the risk of getting pneumonia by more than half.

Additional Information on Influenza and Pneumonia:

Current as of June 2007