What Is Viral Pneumonia?
• Get a viral influenza (flu) vaccine (shot) each year. Flu vaccines are prepared annually in anticipation of that year’s virus strain. Influenza can make pneumonia infection more likely. • Get the pneumococcal vaccine to protect yourself against Streptococcus pneumoniae. • Get treated for any other infections in the respiratory system, especially those in the lungs. Wash your hands before eating, before preparing food, and after going outside. • Try to avoid people who have colds or the flu. Ask them to visit you when they are feeling better. • Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get plenty of rest. • Contact your doctor if you think you have symptoms. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen, as you may develop an emergency condition. • Don’t smoke. • Don’t use alcohol heavily.