How is pneumonia transmitted?
How is pneumonia transmitted?
Pneumonia is a type of acute respiratoryinfection that damages the lungs. The disease is the main cause of death of children under 5 years. The disease is caused by various bacterial, viral, fungal microorganisms and can be transmitted by airborne droplets.
Instructions
1
Most often pneumonia is transmitted from alreadyinfected person. It is sufficient for the recipient to inhale air particles in which pathogenic microorganisms are present in order to get an infection. Nevertheless, when transmitting bacteria and viruses in this way, the uppermost respiratory organs (cold or flu), rather than the lungs, are most likely to be affected. Subsequently, pneumonia can already occur as a complication of the disease. Infection is caused by streptococci (Streptococcus pneumoniae) and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b).
2
Disease is often a consequence of virallesions, such as measles or chicken pox. The probability of infection depends on the ability of the body's immune system to resist the pathogenic environment that forms in the human lungs. Smoking, alcoholism and polluted air often provoke the development of pneumonia. Diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV (AIDS) are also risk factors.
3
The period during which the disease can becall contagious, depends on the pathogen. In some viruses, the ability to spread by airborne droplets appears 2-3 days before the onset of human manifestation of any symptoms and persists until complete cure. Theoretically, pneumonia is contagious within 2-3 weeks, but the highest probability of getting an infection from its carrier is observed at the peak of the illness, which usually lasts 2-4 days. The incubation period is from 2 to 10 days. Its duration depends on the age, health and aggressiveness of the virus or bacteria.
4
Prevent infection by observingelementary rules of hygiene. For example, you should regularly wash your hands. Do not touch various objects to the nose, mouth and eyes. It is necessary to temporarily limit the number of contacts with sick people who are carriers of the disease. Do not use dishes, cutlery and toothbrushes of an infected person. Proper nutrition will improve the defenses of the body.
5
Treatment of pneumonia is carried out with the help ofantibiotics. In most cases, the use of antibacterial agents, produced in the form of tablets, is acceptable. Hospitalization is permissible in cases of severe illness or in all cases of illness in children who were born less than 2 months ago. In case of viral infection, it is possible to administer specialized antiviral drugs.
