Pneumonia vaccine

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection. Most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks, but babies, older people, and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill and may need treatment in hospital.

Symptoms of pneumonia

Symptoms of pneumonia can start suddenly or gradually over a few days.

They include:

• a cough – you may cough up yellow or green mucus (phlegm)

• shortness of breath

• a high temperature

• chest pain

• an aching body

• feeling very tired

• loss of appetite

• making wheezing noises when you breathe – babies may also make grunting noises

• feeling confused – this is common in older people

Treatment for pneumonia

You’ll usually be given antibiotics to treat pneumonia. Most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks.

Some people are more at risk of becoming seriously ill. You may need to go to hospital for treatment if:

• you’re over 65

• you have cardiovascular disease or a long-term lung condition

• your baby or young child has pneumonia

• you’re very unwell

In hospital you’ll usually be given fluids and antibiotics to treat the infection. You may also be given oxygen to help you breathe.

You may be sent for an X-ray of your chest and blood tests to check for other conditions.

Things you can do if you have pneumonia

There are some things you can do to help with recovery from pneumonia and reduce the risk of spreading it to other people.

Do

• rest until you feel better – try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do normal activities

• drink plenty of fluids

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain or a high temperature

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

• put used tissues in the bin as quickly as possible

• wash your hands regularly with water and soap

   

Don’t

• do not take cough medicine – coughing helps your body get rid of the infection

• do not smoke

We provide a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations and antimalarials. It is recommended that you book your appointment 6-8 weeks prior to your travel to ensure that you can get the recommended vaccinations on time.