Pneumonia is an inflammatory respiratory problem caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungal infections, which damage the air sacs of the lungs, (alveoli). This results in a build-up of fluid or pus in the air sacs, making it hard to breathe. It is a highly contagious disease and can be fatal for people with weaker immune health, specifically in children and older adults.

World Pneumonia Day is observed today globally to spread awareness about pneumonia and call for action to fight this fatal disease, which is the world’s largest killer of adults and children, and responsible for most of the mortality of children below five years. This health day also pays attention to making vast opportunities and encouraging initiatives across the world, mainly in low- and middle-income countries to combat the death toll due to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. The Global Alliance against child pneumonia observed the first World Pneumonia Day on November 12, 2009, which brings together more than 100 organizations across the world that campaigns for children’s health.

Also Read: Pneumonia In Elderly: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Significance of World Pneumonia Day (WPD)

Pneumonia is a preventable and treatable disease. Despite the availability of treatment, the death rate due to pneumonia and other respiratory infections has increased significantly in the past years. As per statistics, around 25 lakhs people lost their lives and 7 lakhs children below five years died in 2019 due to this fatal infection across the globe. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the death rate to 6 lakhs due to respiratory infections in 2021, making it one of the largest respiratory disasters putting lakhs of people at high risk of infection and death.

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Most people dangerously exposed to pneumonia live in low- and middle-income countries like Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This health campaign works to mobilize communities to educate and empower families and improve health care to prevent, detect and treat pneumonia, which will make a huge difference to a health condition that is both preventable and treatable.

Also Read: World Pneumonia Day: Prevent Pneumonia, Every Breathe Counts - Infographic

This year’s theme is “Championing the fight against pneumonia”. World Pneumonia Day works to combat the risk of respiratory disease and to control the toll due to lack of awareness about this infection and bring all organization together to make this preventable disease accessible to all sections of society. This health day plays a vital role encouraging public and private organizations to contribute towards the campaigns to impart preventive measures and offer facility and ensuring no individual is deprived of the vaccinations.

Read this article to debunk common myths and facts about pneumonia.

Common Myths and Facts

Myth:

Pneumococcal pneumonia is like a cold or the flu.

Fact:

Pneumococcal pneumonia is not a cold or the flu, but it is caused by bacteria. At times symptoms can show without any warning and it can take a few weeks to get completely treated and feel healthy and active again.

Myth:

If you take good care of your health, you're not at risk of pneumonia.

Fact:

Elderly people aged 65 and over are at a high risk of being hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia, the risk is 10 times greater than adults aged 18-49. However, getting the pneumococcal vaccine can protect you and reduce the risk.

Myth:

Getting vaccinated can cause pneumococcal pneumonia.

Fact:

No, pneumococcal vaccines do not contain live bacteria, so you wouldn’t get pneumonia from taking the vaccine shot.

Myth:

If your health problems are under control, you're not at high risk.

Fact:

No, certain chronic health ailments like COPD, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes can increase your risk of getting pneumococcal pneumonia.

Myth:

If A person is healthy, then he is not a carrier.

Fact:

Although carrying the infection often leads to illness, one can be a carrier without exhibiting any symptoms. The best possible way to avert spreading the disease is by practicing respiratory hygiene like covering your mouth while coughing and sneezing, washing your hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer when you touch your mouth or nose, and discarding the soiled tissues away.