Understanding the Link Between Pneumonia and COVID

The year 2020 has been a challenging one to say the least, with COVID virtually upending the way we live. With winter approaching, pneumonia will be on the rise and coupled with COVID, will make respiratory infection more of a threat than ever.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can progress through the respiratory tract and into the lungs. This causes inflammation, and the air sacs can fill with fluid and pus. This progression then limits a person’s ability to take in oxygen. People with severe cases of pneumonia may have lungs that are so inflamed they cannot take in enough oxygen or expel enough carbon dioxide.

The most common diagnosis for COVID-19 is severe pneumonia. For people who do develop symptoms in the lungs, COVID-19 may be life threatening. This is particularly true for those over 65, and for adults with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and asthma and other breathing disorders

Precautions to take

• Avoid crowds and close contact: Try to avoid contact with people outside your own household, as much as possible. When contact is unavoidable, maintain a safe, six-foot distance. Do not shake hands.
• Wear a facemask: Masks can help to stop your germs from infecting others. This is extra important if people without symptoms can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 disease.
• Wash hands frequently: Do so by using soap and warm water.
• Stay home: Remain at home and do not go out into public places if sick.
• Get a pneumonia shot: All adults 65 years or older, and adults 19 years or older with certain health conditions, should protect themselves with getting the vaccine, which is the best way to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia.
• Get a flu shot: With COVID-19 already spreading in the community it is even more important now than ever to get a flu vaccination to help slow the spread of the flu at the same time.

Dedicated to your respiratory health

At North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we want to help in any way we can to protect the health and welfare of your family. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties, contact our office immediately. If your problem is severe, go to your nearest Emergency Room for evaluation. For more information on our services, give us a call today at 973-987-6771