Pneumonia remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases for children under five across the world, and India continues to be among the worst-affected countries. According to data published in The Lancet and related global health studies, pneumonia is still a leading cause of death among children under five, accounting for around 14% of global under-five deaths based on 2019 estimates.
The 2021 Global Burden of Disease Report further highlighted that more than 2.1 million people worldwide died from pneumonia that year, with young children and older adults being the most vulnerable groups.
In India, data from The Lancet (2010) revealed that pneumonia accounted for 14% to 26% of all deaths among children below five years of age. Another analysis estimated that the disease was responsible for approximately 15% to 18% of deaths in this age group. These alarming figures underscore the severe impact of pneumonia on child health and public health systems in India.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the lungs, creating a difficulty in breathing. It may be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection and generally starts with the following symptoms: fever, chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can affect anyone, it is most dangerous to young children and the elderly because their immune systems are either in development or weakening.
How Does Pneumonia Spread?
Pneumonia spreads through airborne respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or by sharing personal items like cups and utensils. Some types, like aspiration pneumonia, are not contagious because they are caused by inhaling foreign substances, not infectious germs.
Essential Prevention Tips for Every Indian Family
Since prevention is better than cure, here are five key steps to protect your family from pneumonia and reduce the risk of infection:
The Vaccine Shield
Vaccination provides the most robust defense against pneumonia. In India, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is available within the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to protect children from severe infections.
Tip: Check your child’s vaccination record to confirm that all doses of the pneumococcal vaccine have been given on time.
Clean Air, Healthy Lungs
Air pollution in India, therefore, becomes especially risky during winter. Fine dust and other pollutants can damage the respiratory system and weaken immunity, making people more susceptible to lung infections.
Indoor pollution is just as bad: cooking on wood or coal or other solid fuels produces smoke and toxins that gradually affect breathing.
This risk is greatly decreased with the switch to clean fuels like LPG and proper ventilation of homes.
Maintain Hand Hygiene
The causative agents of pneumonia mostly spread via infected surfaces and respiratory droplets. Regular handwashing breaks this chain of infection.
Tip: Teach children and elders to follow the 20-second handwashing rule — before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching shared surfaces.
This can help one avoid pneumonia, among many other respiratory illnesses.
Protect the Vulnerable
After young children, senior citizens above 65 are the next high-risk group for pneumonia, especially those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory problems.
Protect them with their annual flu shot, and with the adult pneumococcal vaccine.
Immunity Tip: Include in their diet foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D to naturally strengthen their lung health and immunity.
5. Know the Warning Signs
But early recognition of pneumonia can save lives. What appears to be a simple cold or cough may be an early symptom of a more serious lung infection.
Watch for these signs in children:
Fast breathing: more than 50 breaths per minute for an infant
Chest indrawing The lower chest pulls in when breathing
In elderly people, symptoms include:
High fever
Persistent cough and congestion Confusion or disorientation Bluish-colored lips or face (which indicates low oxygen) If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek immediate help in order to start treatment as early as possible. Take a Pledge this World Pneumonia Day This World Pneumonia Day, let’s make a commitment to these three pillars of prevention: vaccinate, breathe clean air, and seek early care. By raising awareness and following these prevention steps, each family can make a difference in bringing down pneumonia deaths in India and paving the way for a healthy future.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general awareness only. Please consult a qualified doctor if you experience any symptoms or health-related concerns before starting any treatment.
