Pneumonia?!


Question: My brother just got back from the hospital and he has the start of pneumonia, doctors caught it early. It just started out as a cold and his fever shot up to 106 within a three hour period.

I have OCD about germs and getting a sickness that someone else has. To help me feel better, I was just wondering, what are the best ways to prevent me from getting this sickness? How contagious is this sickness? Do I have a good chance of getting it?

My brother has a disability, and he's 23 years old and is rarely sick. He and I don't share drinks, utensils, or do anything that involves sharing things where our mouths have been. I am also rarely sick and am an all around healthy 18 year old girl. I wash my hands before I eat, after I go to the bathroom, etc.

I just got over sinusitis and still have a bit of a runny nose and phlegm in my chest with a bit of a cough. And I am leading my body into thinking I could get/ or have pneumonia as well. I just need some reassurance, thanks.

:]


Answers: My brother just got back from the hospital and he has the start of pneumonia, doctors caught it early. It just started out as a cold and his fever shot up to 106 within a three hour period.

I have OCD about germs and getting a sickness that someone else has. To help me feel better, I was just wondering, what are the best ways to prevent me from getting this sickness? How contagious is this sickness? Do I have a good chance of getting it?

My brother has a disability, and he's 23 years old and is rarely sick. He and I don't share drinks, utensils, or do anything that involves sharing things where our mouths have been. I am also rarely sick and am an all around healthy 18 year old girl. I wash my hands before I eat, after I go to the bathroom, etc.

I just got over sinusitis and still have a bit of a runny nose and phlegm in my chest with a bit of a cough. And I am leading my body into thinking I could get/ or have pneumonia as well. I just need some reassurance, thanks.

:]

Pneumonia is acute inflammation of the lungs caused by infection. Initial diagnosis is usually based on chest x-ray. Causes, symptoms, treatment, preventive measures, and prognosis differ depending on whether the infection is bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic; whether it is acquired in the community, hospital, or nursing home; and whether it develops in a patient who is immunocompetent or immunocompromised.
Prevention
You usually don't "catch" pneumonia from someone else. Instead, you develop the disease because your immune system is temporarily weakened, often for no known reason. The following suggestions can help keep you healthy:
* Get vaccinated. Because pneumonia can be a complication of the flu, getting a yearly flu shot is a good way to prevent viral influenza pneumonia, which can lead to bacterial pneumonia. In addition, get a vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia at least once after age 55, and if you have any risk factors, every five years thereafter. Your doctor may recommend a pneumonia vaccine if you're a smoker, if you're younger but have a lung or cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes or sickle cell anemia, if your immune system is compromised or if you've had your spleen removed for any reason.
A vaccine known as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine can help protect young children against pneumonia. It's recommended for all children younger than age 2 and for children 2 years and older who are at particular risk of pneumococcal disease, such as those with an immune system deficiency, cancer, cardiovascular disease or sickle cell anemia. Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine are generally minor and include mild soreness or swelling at the injection site.
* Wash your hands. Your hands are in almost constant contact with germs that can cause pneumonia. These germs enter your body when you touch your eyes or rub the inside of your nose. Washing your hands thoroughly and often can help reduce your risk. When washing isn't possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which can be more effective than soap and water in destroying the bacteria and viruses that cause disease. What's more, most hand sanitizers contain ingredients that keep your skin moist. Carry one in your purse or in your pocket.
* Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.
* Take care of yourself. Proper rest and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains along with moderate exercise can help keep your immune system strong.
* Protect others from infection. If you have pneumonia, try to stay away from anyone with a compromised immune system. When that isn't possible, you can help protect others by wearing a face mask and always coughing into a tissue.

DId a quick search and this website http://www.personalbest.com/yourhealth/l... -says that it isnt contagious,you get it from having a already weak immune system, which sounds fimilar...
So if your already sick, i would stay away but otherwise i think your fine.

Be careful that you are not spreading anything to him. He will be very suseptible to germs with having pneumonia. he may be contagious as well. I just got out of the hospital for the same thing and those around me had to wear a mask for the first few days, as did I when out of my room and around other people and doctors.





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