12/11/2024
*November 12*
*World Pneumonia Day.*
*"World Pneumonia Day"*, observed on November 12 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness about pneumonia, a life-threatening but preventable and treatable respiratory illness.
The day emphasises the impact of pneumonia, especially among children under five and the elderly, who are most vulnerable.
Health organizations, governments, and communities participate in campaigns, events, and programs to spread awareness, promote vaccination, and address the barriers to accessing life-saving medical care.
*The theme for 2024* is "Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Track." This theme emphasises the critical importance of each breath and highlights the urgent need to combat pneumonia through timely detection, effective treatment, and preventative measures.
World Pneumonia Day was established in 2009 by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia, a collective of public health organisations determined to address the lack of awareness about pneumonia's severity and the fact that it claims the lives of over 800,000 children each year.
Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress can help keep the immune system healthy and responsive.
Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing helps prevent the spread of germs.
Keeping a distance from unwell individuals, especially if they have symptoms like coughing and sneezing, can help minimise exposure to infectious agents.
Early treatment of respiratory infections, like the flu or bronchitis, can prevent these infections from progressing to pneumonia.
The virus that causes *COVID-19* can infect your lungs, causing pneumonia. Many people either died or severely suffered from pneumonia during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Prevention is better than cure. Take measures to prevent rather than to suffer and get cured.