World Pneumonia Day is observed on the 12th of November every year. World Pneumonia Day raises awareness about this fatal illness. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.

Pneumonia is the single biggest infectious killer of adults and children, claiming the lives of 2.5 million, including 672,000 children, in 2019. COVID-19 could add 1.9 million to the death toll this year (2021). Pneumonia is more common than you think. It causes more than a million hospitalizations and more than 50,000 deaths each year. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of your lungs, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. It may cause problems with oxygen exchange.

Viruses (including COVID-19, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. It is preventable and treatable, yet it remains the main source of infectious child mortality year over year. When diagnosed early and accurately it can be treated within a week. Infants with pneumonia caused by bacteria usually become sick fairly quickly, starting with a sudden high fever and unusually fast breathing. But it thrives in undeveloped regions with no proper medical care. Antibiotics can treat many forms of pneumonia. Some forms of pneumonia can be prevented by vaccines.

Pneumonia is contagious just like a cold or flu when it is caused by infectious microbes. However, pneumonia is not contagious when the cause is related to a type of poisoning like inhalation of chemical fumes.

Even patients who have been successfully treated and have fully recovered may face long-term health issues. Children who have recovered from pneumonia have an increased risk of chronic lung diseases. Adults may experience:

• Decreased ability to exercise
• Worsening of cardiovascular disease
• Mental decline
• General decline in quality of life for months