Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : November 16, 2017 6:23 PM IST
Image credits by: A microbial infection that can affect one or both of your lungs is known as pneumonia.
Seasonal changes bring various illnesses. Other than a usual cough and flu, viral infections breeze in with the onset of the winters. One of the infections caused by viruses is Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP). Pneumonia can be life-threating especially for kids and people over 65 years of age. Those people suffering from other chronic illness like lung disease, diabetes or immunocompromised condition are also susceptible if their immunity is considerably low. But why does the risk of pneumonia increase during winters? We have Dr Preyas Vaidya, Consultant Pulmonologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund shedding light on this. Here are common signs and symptoms of pneumonia.
Why does risk of pneumonia increase in winter?
Pneumonia can occur across the season and is not bound to the winters alone. However, there is an increase in the cases during the cold season, as people are indoors for longer periods and in close contact with a number of bacteria, fungi or viruses. Flu, viruses and bacteria are prone to be stable in the air when there is a drop in temperatures and the particles remain in the air in respiratory droplets. Bacteria are present on our skin and are usually harmless; however, during the cold and flu season, immunity decreases which weaken the system and even causes damage to the airways creating an opportunity for bacteria to cause infection in the lungs.
It is better to avoid public transport as one can catch a secondary infection when one comes in contact with others. Also, someone suffering from pneumonia is contagious. While commuting, it is advisable to observe cough hygiene; i.e. covering one s nose and mouth to prevent the spread of infection. Read more on ways to prevent pneumonia.
Pneumonia is an infection caused in one or both lungs, occurring due to an infection which causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, filled with fluid or pus. Bacteria, fungi or other viruses cause these, making it difficult to breathe as it interrupts the oxygen supply to the bloodstream.
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