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Respiratory Disease Paper - Pneumonia
Ranacia Alford
HCS/245
October 16, 2014
Heather Walzel

Respiratory Disease Paper – Pneumonia
Introduction
Pneumonia, by terminological definition, is an infection of the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microbial organisms that invade the body. Pneumonia has the potential to be an advantageous disease in that it can attack when the body is infected by another microbial, such as a upper respiratory infection (Kid’s Health, 2011). Pneumonia can also be contracted by inhaling a liquid or chemical into the lungs (National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2014). Pneumonia may affect anyone from children to adults. This disease can be prevented and treated.
Disease Prevention Type
Pneumonia falls under more than one prevention type category. Primary prevention of pneumonia in the form of vaccines is an effective method among children and the elderly. The infant vaccine series of the pneumococcal vaccine, Prevnar, has been incorporated into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended immunizations for infants between ages two months and eighteen months (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014). Other vaccines also contribute to prevention including Hib, Flu, and Pertussis (CDC, 2014). Because they're at higher risk for serious complications, infants born prematurely may be given treatments that temporarily protect against RSV, which can lead to pneumonia in younger kids (Kid’s Health, 2011).
Hand washing and proper cleaning habits are also primary prevention methods against pneumonia. Hand washing help prevent direct contamination from hand contact and is critical especially when in contact with someone with the disease. As pneumonia is spread mostly through saliva and mucus from coughing, sneezing and sharing utensils or glasses with an infected person, it is important to

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