Emailing: Community Acquired Pneumonia...this is what the hospital said that I had, but they did not test any sputum?

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>>>Preventive Health Care

>>>Community-Acquired Pneumonia

What is community-acquired pneumonia?Community-acquired pneumonia is a serious lung infection usually caused by bacteria, most commonly called pneumococcus. The infection causes the bronchial tubes and tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs to become inflamed.Is community-acquired pneumonia contagious?Yes. Bacteria are spread through the air when someone who is infected sneezes or coughs. After these bacteria enter your system through the nose and mouth they begin multiplying. Sometimes, there are too many bacteria for your body to fight off, and you get pneumonia.Community-acquired pneumonia results in the death of thousands of people in the United States each year, even though most of it can be prevented through a simple vaccination.How do I know if I have pneumonia?Pneumonia symptoms include high fever, chills, headache, cough that produces thick, rust-colored, greenish or yellowing sputum, chest pain, disorientation, shortness of breath, and weakness. An X-ray of your lungs is a common way to confirm that you have pneumonia. In addition, your physician may also have a laboratory look at the colored discharge or sputum that you are coughing up, or do a culture of your blood. If you physician finds that you have pneumonia, he or she will often treat it with antibiotics.Who should get a pneumococcal pneumonia shot?People at high risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia are:1) people 65 years of age and older. 2) those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and lung disease or diabetes. 3) people with weakened immune systems due to illnesses such as AIDS, chronic renal failure, cancer and organ transplantation.4) people who are alcoholics. 5) those who do not have a spleen.How often do I need to get a pneumococcal pneumonia shot?If you are 65 years of age or older, you should receive a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination. One vaccination may be all you ever need. Ask your doctor if you will need this shot more than once.Does Medicare reimburse for the pneumococcal shots?Medicare Part B covers the cost of a pneumococcal vaccine. When indicated, revaccination is also covered.

Pneumonia Vaccination Resources

The following links provide information, locations and schedules for clinics providing flue shots. Some of these also provide pneumonia vaccinations. If you are due for a pneumonia vaccination check to see if the shot will be available at any of the clinics listed on these sites: Savon Immunizations Chicago Department of Public Health Immunization Clinics If there are no clinics available near you, contact your physician or local health department about scheduling a time to get your pneumonia shot.

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