Treatment Options

Helping Yourself

You can help lessen your chances of contracting CAP by using the practices recommended below.

• Immunization-- Pneumonia vaccines are available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for children at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) should be administered to adults 65 years of age and older, and persons 2 years of age and older with normal immune systems who have chronic illnesses such as heart or lung disorders or diabetes, and those who are immunocompromised (weakened immune system). A single revaccination dose is recommended 5 years after the initial dose of the PPV for some. You should speak with your physician to discuss whether a booster dose is necessary. The pneumococcal vaccination can be given at any time of the year, however it is most commonly given with flu vaccines in the late fall or early winter months.

• Washing hands-- It is important that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water, especially after blowing your nose, going to the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. This can help cut down on the spread of organisms that cause CAP.

• Quit smoking-- The damage from smoking cigarettes and cigars decreases your lungs ability to fight off infection.

• Cover your mouth-- It is important that you cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of CAP. This will help to prevent any airborne transmission of infecting organisms.

If you already have pneumonia, you may want to take the following measures to ensure a more speedy recovery or decrease your risk of complications associated with the infection.

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get lots of rest
• Try over-the-counter products to decrease your cough and cold symptoms:
  1. aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for fever and pain
  2. decongestants to open clogged nasal passageways and sinuses
  3. cough syrups and drops to control coughing
• Take the entire course of any prescribed medications for your infection

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.