HMH Respiratory Therapy

11/28/2025

The holiday rush can take a toll—make time this weekend to care for yourself. Simple wellness practices like stretching, deep breathing, drinking water, and enjoying quiet moments can help you feel refreshed and ready for the week ahead.

Your health is more than appointments—it’s about balance, rest, and joy.

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for our patients, families, and staff who make Howard Memorial Hospital such a special place. Your trust and support inspire us every day to provide compassionate care.

From our family to yours, we wish you a warm and joyful holiday!

11/24/2025

Cold and flu season is here! Your lungs and immune system work hard to keep you healthy, and a few simple habits can make a big difference:

- Wash your hands frequently
- Stay active and hydrated
- Get your flu shot
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing

Howard Memorial Hospital is here to help you stay well all winter long. Take steps today to protect yourself and your loved ones!

11/21/2025

Friday 11/21 Menu:
▪️Fried Fish
▪️Fries
▪️Pinto Beans
▪️Coleslaw
▪️Hush Puppies
▪️Dessert
💚 Healthy & Fit 💚
▪️Sweet Potato Curry Soup
*Menu is subject to change*

11/20/2025

💡 Did you know?
Pressure injuries can start forming in as little as 2 hours when constant pressure reduces blood flow to the skin.

Prevention tips:
✅ Reposition regularly
✅ Keep skin clean and dry
✅ Use pressure-relieving cushions or mattresses
✅ Check skin daily for redness or irritation

This Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day, take a moment to protect skin health—for yourself or a loved one.

11/20/2025

Today, we proudly celebrate Rural Health Day!

At Howard Memorial Hospital, we feel incredibly thankful to serve our small, close-knit community of Nashville and the surrounding areas. Your trust in us is what allows our family to take care of yours, and for that, we are truly grateful. Thank you for being a part of our community. Happy Rural Health Day!

11/20/2025

Few pictures from our Women’s Wellness night last month 🩷 It was a great event. Thank you to everyone who participated!

11/19/2025

Thanksgiving is next week! Closing at noon on Wednesday. Please plan refills accordingly

11/19/2025

Eat, drink—and be healthy! It’s nearly Thanksgiving—which means many of us will be enjoying more rich foods that we typically do. But, by adding just a few modifications to balance out this day of bounty, you can spend more time counting your blessings—and less time counting calories.

11/14/2025

It’s with great pride and excitement that we share some outstanding news! Our very own Chief Financial Officer, Bill Craig, has been named Financial Executive of the Year by Arkansas Business!

This recognition highlights Bill’s exceptional financial leadership, expertise, and dedication to our hospital’s success. Please join us in congratulating Bill on this incredible achievement. We’re proud to see his hard work and commitment recognized on a statewide level. This is an honor well-deserved!

11/14/2025

PCU Director Melissa Sackett and Admin/Marketing Director Sandy Webb attending the Pilgrim’s Health Fair today.

11/13/2025

Thursday 11/13 Menu:
▪️General Tso Chicken
▪️Fried Rice
▪️Egg Roll
▪️Asian Vegetables
▪️Fruit Parfait
💚 Healthy & Fit-ADA Recipe 💚
▪️Unstuffed Egg Roll with Quinoa and Slaw
*Menu is subject to change*

10/21/2025

Is it a Cold or the Flu
The main differences in a cold and the flu are that the flu typically comes on abruptly and has more severe symptoms like high fever, body aches, and fatigue, while a cold usually develops gradually and is milder, with a stuffy nose and sore throat being more common. Colds are less likely to cause fever and are typically less debilitating.
Other key differences
• Cause:
Colds are caused by over 200 different viruses, while the flu is caused by influenza viruses.
• Severity and complications:
Colds are generally mild and rarely lead to serious complications, though they can lead to sinus or ear infections. The flu can be more severe and may lead to serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus and ear infections.
• Treatment:
Over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms for both. However, antiviral drugs may be prescribed for the flu to help shorten its duration, especially when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

10/31/2024

Flu and cold season is upon us and sometimes it is hard to know what is making you feel so bad, especially when you add Covid in the mix as well. The following is a chart to use as a guideline to help you tell the 3 most common viruses apart. However, keep in mind that people react differently to illnesses so it is always best to consult your physician.

06/23/2024

-A stress test shows how the heart works during physical activity. It also may be called a stress exercise test. Exercise makes the heart pump harder and faster. A stress test can show problems with blood flow within the heart.

-A stress test usually involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. A health care provider watches your heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing during the test. People who can't exercise may be given a medicine that creates the effects of exercise.

-Your health care provider may recommend a stress test if you have symptoms of coronary artery disease or an irregular heart rhythm, called an arrhythmia.

Do you need a cardiac stress test? We can help! Contact us at the Respiratory Care Department to schedule yours today at (870) 845-6942

01/23/2024

RSV in Adults

Key Facts

RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections.

RSV can be dangerous for certain high-risk adults.

Each year in the United States an estimated 60,000 – 120,000 older adults are hospitalized and 6,000 – 10,000 dies from RSV infection.

Understanding RSV in Adults

RSV is a common virus that you have undoubtedly been sick with before. You might not have known that you had RSV because without a lab test to confirm diagnosis, it is typically lumped together with other respiratory infections that cause cold-like symptoms. It is possible to get RSV multiple times, even in the same year, because you do not develop complete immunity to it.

So, what’s the big deal?

RSV has the potential to make you really sick. Usually, as an adult, when you become ill with RSV you have mild cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough and a headache. But sometimes, and for some people, you can become so ill you need to be hospitalized. And each year in the United States thousands of older adults die of complications from RSV.

Three identified groups at high risk for severe RSV include:

Adults with chronic lung or heart disease

Adults with a weakened immune system

All older adults, especially if you are 65 years and older

RSV symptoms typically last from two to eight days though they can last longer, especially when they lead to other serious conditions such as:

A worsening of your asthma or COPD symptoms. An RSV infection may cause you to have an asthma attack or COPD exacerbation, causing additional strain on your already compromised lungs.

Pneumonia. An infection of the lungs, pneumonia causes the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs to become inflamed and fill with fluid. This makes it harder for you to breathe and can become life-threatening.

Bronchiolitis. An infection of the lungs, bronchiolitis causes inflammation of the small airways (bronchial) in your lungs.

Congestive heart failure. An RSV infection may cause more severe cardiac symptoms to occur.

Preventing RSV in Adults

In June 2023, the CDC recommended RSV vaccination for adults 60 or older, after discussing with your healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for you. There are currently two licensed RSV vaccines for adults 60+ and they are expected to become available in the fall of 2023.

Treating RSV in Adults

There is no specific treatment for RSV infection, so fluids and rest are the best advice for mild symptoms. If you have COPD or asthma, be sure to maintain use of prescribed medications to reduce breathing difficulties and speak with your healthcare provider if you think your medications might need to be adjusted.

When to Seek Emergency Care

There are some emergency signs that indicate you are experiencing a severe respiratory illness, and these require prompt medical attention.
Shortness of breath, a fever, bluish tint to your skin, wheezing, worsening cough.

If you are admitted to the hospital, you will likely be put on IV fluids if you are dehydrated. You may be put on supplemental oxygen to improve your oxygen saturation. Antibiotics may be given if you develop a secondary infection such as bacterial pneumonia.

Recovering from RSV as an Adult

As you age, your body naturally loses some of the disease-fighting abilities it had. This means it may take you longer to recover from respiratory infections like RSV. It’s important to check in with your healthcare provider about any new or lingering symptoms you are experiencing.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections. Most people develop only mild symptoms similar to that of a...

08/29/2023

What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease where there is scarring of the lungs—called fibrosis—which makes it difficult to breathe. This is because the scarring causes the tissues in the lungs to get thick and stiff and makes it hard to absorb oxygen into the bloodstream. There are over 200 different types of PF and in most cases, there's no known cause.

Here is a look at some of the different categories of PF.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

The most common type of PF is IPF, which stands for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This means this type of PF has no known cause. Approximately 50,000 new cases of IPF are diagnosed each year. Most IPF patients first start noticing symptoms between the ages of 50 and 70 years old. It is more common in men, but the number of cases of IPF in women is on the rise.

PF from Diseases

Some cases of PF are caused by autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma or Sjogren's syndrome. Certain viral infections and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also risk factors for PF.

Familial PF

Familial PF is very rare. PF is considered familial when two or more members within the same family have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

PF from Exposures

PF can be caused by exposure to hazardous materials. Examples include occupational exposures such as asbestos or silica. Some cases of PF are caused by breathing in bird or animal droppings. Radiation treatments and certain types of medications can cause PF. Cigarette smoking also increases a person's risk of developing PF.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Most people with PF develop symptoms between the ages of 50 and 70 years. If you have any of the symptoms below, talk with your doctor right away and be persistent if you feel your lung health is not improving.

Symptoms of PF include:

Shortness of breath, particularly during exercise

Dry, hacking cough

Fast, shallow breathing

Gradual unintended weight loss

Tiredness

Aching joints and muscles

Clubbing (widening and rounding) of the tips of the fingers or toes

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) may be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of PF are similar to other lung diseases. If you are having some or all of the above symptoms, please see your doctor and let him know how you are feeling and ask him if he thinks PF might be the problem. If your doctor suspects you might have PF, it is important to see a specialist to confirm your diagnosis. This will help ensure you are treated for the exact disease you have.

Below are some pictures of healthy lungs vs. Pulmonary Fibrosis.

07/17/2023

E-Cigarettes (Va**ng) and Va**ng-associated lung injury (EVALI)

Electronic Cigarette use, or va**ng, has become a $2.5 Billion dollar industry in the United States. Many people think that va**ng is harmless or that it is a good alternative to smoking ci******es. Va**ng has become very popular with our junior high and high school students with a dramatic increase in past-30-day usage of e-ci******es in this age group.

Most users of e-ci******es use ni****ne or THC in their v**e pens, but even the use of simple flavored oils can be very dangerous. Below is a list of some of the harmful chemicals that can be introduced into your body from e-ci******es and their effect:

1. Vitamin E oil: this is used to thicken the va**ng products, especially those containing THC. Vitamin E is safe as a vitamin supplement or in skin care products, but can damage your lungs when inhaled. This can also cause lipids (fats) to accumulate in your lungs and cause damage to your lungs.

2. Chemicals, fumes, metals: the liquid form of these substances can change when turned into a v***r and harmful chemicals can be produced that were not in the liquid form. Metals such as nickel, tin, and aluminum can be inhaled into your lungs and bloodstream and cause cancer or lung disease. These can also worsen any pre-existing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

3. Ni****ne poisoning: you can get too much ni****ne by inhaling the v***r or by spilling ni****ne on your skin. Signs of ni****ne poisoning are vomiting, fast heart rate, and shortness of breath. Ni****ne can lead to trouble thinking, learning, or paying attention in an adolescent.

Some signs and symptoms of EVALI are:

1. Cough or shortness of breath
2. Abdominal pain or Chest pain
3. A fast heart rate or shortness of breath
4. Fever and chills
5. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
6. Weight loss without trying

A person addicted to ni****ne in any form can get help from the Arkansas Department of Health. They have a program to help you get the assistance you need to quit smoking. Click and follow the link below to find the answers you need.

https://www.bewellarkansas.org/quit-tobacco/

As always, feel free to call the Respiratory Therapy Department at Howard Memorial Hospital and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We have someone on staff 24 hours/day to assist you. We can be reached at 870-845-6942.

05/30/2023

EEG TESTING

Howard Memorial Hospital offers EEG testing through the Respiratory Care Department. Below is information about EEG testing, the process, and why you might need to have this testing done. If you feel that you might be a candidate for this testing then please make an appointment with your family physician to discuss this. If you want more information about this testing, please feel free to call our office @ 870-845-6942 and we will be happy to help you.

What is an EEG?

An EEG is a test that detects abnormalities in your brain waves, or in the electrical activity of your brain. During the procedure, a cap with electrodes is placed on your head. The electrodes detect tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of your brain cells. The charges are amplified and appear as a graph on a computer screen, or as a recording that may be printed out on paper. A physician trained to read EEGs will then interpret the test and send a report to your physician.

Why might I need an EEG?

• The EEG is used to evaluate several types of brain disorders. When epilepsy is present, seizure activity will appear as rapid spiking waves on the EEG. If you have been diagnosed with a seizure disorder previously and are on medication, you may need an EEG to assess the effectiveness of your medication if you are having break through seizures.

• People with lesions of their brain, which can result from tumors or stroke, may have unusually slow EEG waves, depending on the size and the location of the lesion.

• The test can also be used to diagnose other disorders that influence brain activity, such as Alzheimer's disease, certain psychoses, and a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.

• The EEG may also be used to determine the overall electrical activity of the brain (for example, to evaluate trauma, drug intoxication, or extent of brain damage in comatose patients).

• There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend an EEG such as migraines or if you are having episodes of loss of consciousness or memory loss.

What are the risks of an EEG?

The EEG has been used for many years and is considered a safe procedure. The test causes no discomfort. The electrodes record activity. They do not produce any sensation. In addition, there is no risk of getting an electric shock.
In rare instances, an EEG can cause seizures in a person with a seizure disorder. This is due to the flashing lights or the deep breathing that may be involved during the test. If you do get a seizure, your healthcare provider will treat it immediately.
Other risks may be present, depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the reading of an EEG test. These include:
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by fasting
• Body or eye movement during the tests (but this will rarely, if ever, significantly interfere with the interpretation of the test)
• Lights, especially bright or flashing ones
• Certain medicines, such as sedatives
• Drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, cola, and tea (while these drinks can occasionally alter the EEG results, this almost never interferes significantly with the interpretation of the test)
• Oily hair or the presence of hair spray

How do I get ready for an EEG?

Ask your healthcare provider to tell you what you should do before your test. Below is a list of common steps that you may be asked to do.
• Wash your hair with shampoo, but do not use a conditioner the night before the test. Do not use any hair care products, such as hairspray or gels.
• Bring a list of all medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
• Discontinue using medicines that may interfere with the test if your healthcare provider has directed you to do so. Do not stop using medicines without first consulting your healthcare provider.
• Avoid consuming any food or drinks containing caffeine for 8 to 12 hours before the test.
• Some EEG tests require that you sleep through the procedure, and some do not. If the EEG is to be done during sleep, adults may not be allowed to sleep more than 4 or 5 hours the night before the test. Children may not be allowed to sleep for more than 5 to 7 hours the night before.
• Avoid fasting the night before or the day of the procedure. Low blood sugar may influence the results.
• Based on your medical condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific preparations.

What happens during an EEG?

An EEG may be done on an outpatient basis, or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices.
Generally, an EEG procedure follows this process:
1. You will be asked to relax in a reclining chair or stay in your bed if you are an inpatient.
2. A cap containing electrodes will be placed on your head and the holes in the electrodes will be filled with a special paste and gel to help strengthen the connection.
3. You will be asked to close your eyes, relax, and be still.
4. Once the recording begins, you will need to remain still throughout the test. Your Respiratory Therapist will perform the test through a computer attached to a long wire on the cap. The recording may be stopped periodically to let you rest or reposition yourself.
5. After your healthcare provider does the initial recording while you are at rest, he or she may test you with various stimuli to produce brain wave activity that does not show up while you are resting. For example, you may be asked to breathe deeply and rapidly for 3 minutes, or you may be exposed to a bright flashing light.
6. This study will be done in the Respiratory Care Department by the Respiratory Therapist at HMH and may take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What happens after an EEG?

Once the test is completed, the cap is removed and the electrode paste will be washed off with warm water. In some cases, you may need to wash your hair again at home.
If you took any sedatives for the test, you may be required to rest until the sedatives have worn off. You will need to have someone drive you home.
Skin irritation or redness may be present at the locations where the electrodes were placed, but this will wear off in a few hours.

03/17/2023

If you have lung issues such as COPD, Bronchitis, or Asthma, to name a few, your physician may prescribe an inhaler for you to use. It can be hard sometimes to coordinate your inhalation with the delivery of the medication which may cause you to not inhale the full dose. Below are instructions on how to use an inhaler both on its own and with a delivery device called a spacer.

How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A metered-dose inhaler is a handheld device that gives you a dose of medicine as a mist. You breathe the medicine deep into your lungs to open your airways.

How do I use an inhaler?
The following steps will help you use your inhaler correctly:

1. Remove the cap. Check to make sure nothing is in the mouthpiece that could block the medicine from coming out.

2. Shake the inhaler to mix the medicine. Hold the inhaler upright.

3. Prime the inhaler as directed.

4. Breathe out fully. Do not breathe out into the mouthpiece.

5. Place the mouthpiece between your lips. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to form a seal and prevent a medicine leak.

6. Breathe in slowly through your mouth as you press down on the canister. Breathe in for 5 seconds.

7. Hold your breath for at least 5 seconds. This helps the medicine get deep into your lungs.

8. Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Breathe out slowly.

9. Repeat puffs of medicine as directed by your healthcare provider. Wait 1 minute between puffs.

10. Rinse your mouth with water or saline. Do not swallow the water or saline.

Your physician may order a spacer for your inhaler. A spacer is a tube that attaches to the mouthpiece of your inhaler. The spacer helps make your inhaler easier to use. It also helps get the medicine into your lungs better.

How to use an inhaler with a spacer:
The following steps will help you use your inhaler and spacer correctly:

1. Remove the cap. Check to make sure nothing is in the mouthpiece that could block the medicine from coming out.

2. Shake the inhaler to mix the medicine. Hold the inhaler upright. Prime the inhaler as directed.

3. Put the spacer onto the inhaler. If your spacer has valves, make sure they are not blocked.

4. Breathe out fully. Do not breathe out into the spacer mouthpiece.

5. Place the spacer mouthpiece between your lips. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to form a seal and prevent a medicine leak.

6. Breathe in slowly through your mouth as you press down on the canister. Breathe in for 5 seconds.

7. Hold your breath for at least 5 seconds. This helps the medicine get deep into your lungs.

8. Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Breathe out slowly.

9. Repeat puffs of medicine as directed by your healthcare provider. Wait 1 minute between puffs.

10. Rinse your mouth with water or saline. Do not swallow the water or saline.

01/25/2023

The HMH Respiratory Therapy Department is proud to offer a growing list of services for area health care practitioners and their patients. The Respiratory Therapy Department staff at Howard Memorial Hospital has over 150 years of experience in Respiratory Care. We have 8 Respiratory Therapists on staff, 2 of which are also Registered Nurses and 1 of which is a Registered Sleep Therapist. Below is a list of some of the Outpatient services we provide:

EKG testing (to check your heart rhythm)

Pulmonary Function Testing (lung testing for COPD, Asthma and other lung conditions, also to assess for damage from long term medication use)
>Basic
>Complete (Pre and Post Bronchodilator)
>DLCO

Arterial Blood Gases (to help qualify for home oxygen and assess oxygen status in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases)

24 hour to 30 day heart monitor

EEG (to assess for seizures and abnormal brain activity)

Exercise Stress Testing (to assess the heart)

Pulse Oximetry (to assess oxygen saturation)

Updraft Treatments (medication delivery to relieve asthma and COPD symptoms)

TB Skin Testing for the public

Sleep Studies to assess for sleep apnea

Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehab Services

The Respiratory Therapy Team at Howard Memorial Hospital would be honored to provide care for all our area health care practitioners and their patients. Below is our office number and our fax number for your convenience. Feel free to call anytime if you have any questions. We have someone in house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide care for our patients.

Office: 870-845-6942
Fax: 870-845-0715

12/26/2022

Flu Update as of December 20, 2022

During flu season, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) produces a Weekly Influenza Report for clinicians. The report provides information on flu activity in the state. The report also compares influenza like-illness (ILI) in Arkansas to activity in the U.S.

ADH receives reports of only a fraction of flu cases
since it only requires reports of hospitalizations, deaths, and outbreaks. Therefore, it is important to understand that the information in the weekly update is representative of the timing and location of activity, but it does not reflect the overall burden of disease. It is presumed that there are many more people actually
affected than the report shows. Clinicians and policy makers may find the report helpful in terms of communicating to colleagues and patients about the current status of the flu season.

Report Key Points:

• For Week 50, Arkansas reported “High” or 10 out of 13 for Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI) activity level
indicator determined by data reported to ILINet.

• Since October 2, 2022, over 17,200 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH by health care providers. Please note that reported cases reflect only a portion of the actual numbers of flu cases in the state.

• Among flu antigen tests this season that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types in Arkansas, 92 percent were influenza A, and 8 percent were influenza B.

• About 5 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI (Syndromic Surveillance). Nearly 5 percent of outpatient visits were for ILI (ILINet sentinel providers).

• The average school absenteeism rate last week was 7.9 percent among public schools.
• Arkansas reported 86 influenza-related deaths this flu season, including 1 pediatric death. Of these, 77% were not vaccinated.

• CDC estimates so far this season, there have been at least 15 million illnesses, 150,000 hospitalizations, and 9,300 deaths from flu.

• Twenty (20) nursing homes and other institutions have reported influenza outbreaks this season.

You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at: http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website
directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov.
For Additional National and International Influenza Surveillance Information:
World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/tools/flunet
CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - Weekly Report: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly

It is not too late to get your flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is available at most doctor's offices, pharmacies, and at Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS.

12/06/2022

PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. The infection can be life-threatening to anyone, but particularly to infants, children, and people over 65. Pneumonia is very common, in fact there are more than 3 million US cases per year.

What Causes Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is usually the result of a bacterial infection. As well as bacterial pneumonia, other types include: viral pneumonia – caused by a virus, such as coronavirus or flu, and aspiration pneumonia – caused by breathing in vomit, a foreign object, such as a peanut, or a harmful substance, such as smoke or a chemicals.

What are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?

Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. Within a day or two, the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain. Symptoms may also include cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. People may also experience sharp pains in the chest, loss of appetite, fatigue, wheezing, and increased heart rate.

How is Pneumonia Diagnosed?

A chest X-ray is often used to diagnose pneumonia. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) see whether your immune system is fighting an infection. Pulse oximetry measures how much oxygen is in your blood. Pneumonia can keep your lungs from getting enough oxygen into your blood.

How is Pneumonia Treated

The typical pneumonia treatment plan consists of rest, antibiotics, and increased fluid intake. Mild pneumonia can usually be treated at home with rest and antibiotics (if it is likely caused by a bacterial infection) and by drinking plenty of fluids. More severe cases may need hospital treatment. You should take it easy even if your symptoms begin to subside. Depending on the cause of pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication instead of an antibiotic.

Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Pneumonia is contagious when viruses or bacteria are responsible for the infection. Fungal pneumonia (which mainly affects people with compromised immune systems) and aspiration pneumonia (caused by inhaling food or liquid into the airways) are not contagious.

The Pneumonia Vaccine

People aged 65 and over only need a single pneumococcal vaccination. This vaccine is not given annually like the flu vaccine. If you have a long-term health condition you may only need a single, one-off pneumococcal vaccination, or a vaccination every 5 years, depending on your underlying health problem. The CDC also recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all children younger than 5 years old.