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Pneumonia remains a significant public health concern, infecting millions of individuals each year. In 2024, cases of this highly contagious lung infection surged across all age groups, with young children being particularly affected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infection rates in children aged 2 to 4 years increased dramatically from 1.0% to 7.2% between March and October of last year.
Causes Behind the Surge
Pneumonia can be triggered by over 300 different bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, a bacterium known as Mycoplasma pneumoniae played a significant role in last year’s surge. This pathogen has not historically been a leading cause of pneumonia in young children, but a decline in vaccination rates and weakened immune systems due to reduced exposure post-COVID-19 may have contributed to its increased prevalence.
Jeffrey Griffiths, a professor in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, explains the different types of pneumonia, treatment options, and, most importantly, how to prevent infection.
Understanding Pneumonia: Bacterial and Viral Causes
M. pneumoniae is a common bacterial cause of “walking pneumonia,” a milder form of the illness where symptoms are not severe enough to confine individuals to bed. However, more severe cases of pneumonia are often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a type of strep bacteria. The most vulnerable populations include the very young, the elderly, malnourished individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Other bacterial and viral infections, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19, can also lead to pneumonia. These viruses, which have seen a resurgence in recent months, can directly cause lung infections or create an opportunity for bacterial pneumonia to develop as a secondary infection.
Prevention Measures: Masks, Handwashing, and Vaccination
Pneumonia is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Preventative measures such as wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and frequent handwashing can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
Griffiths also stresses the importance of vaccination in preventing pneumonia. Vaccines are available for common bacterial causes such as S. pneumoniae and for viral infections that can lead to pneumonia, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. The CDC recommends the pneumonia vaccine for children under five and adults over 50, yet vaccination rates remain low.
Recognizing Pneumonia Symptoms
Pneumonia symptoms vary by age. In adults, symptoms typically include fever, persistent coughing with green or yellow phlegm, and shortness of breath, even with mild activity. Severe coughing can lead to chest pain and muscle strain.
In children, symptoms may present differently. Griffiths notes that children may not always exhibit obvious lung-related symptoms. Instead, they might show signs such as rapid breathing, stomach aches, vomiting, or a refusal to drink fluids. Because young children tend to swallow phlegm rather than spit it out, parents should monitor their overall behavior and breathing patterns closely.
Treatment Options and At-Home Monitoring
Treatment for pneumonia depends on its cause. Bacterial pneumonia is typically managed with antibiotics, but overuse of these medications can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Viral pneumonia, on the other hand, has fewer treatment options, though early intervention with antiviral medications may be effective for influenza and COVID-19.
At-home monitoring can be crucial in managing pneumonia symptoms. Griffiths recommends using pulse oximeters, affordable fingertip devices that measure blood oxygen levels, to detect any dangerous drops in oxygen saturation. Normal oxygen levels should be at 94% or higher, though individuals with preexisting lung conditions may have slightly lower readings.
Final Thoughts
With pneumonia infections on the rise, taking preventive steps such as vaccination, proper hygiene, and early symptom recognition is crucial in protecting both individuals and their communities. Griffiths reminds people that pneumonia remains a common infection, but with the right precautions, its impact can be mitigated.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you or your child experience pneumonia symptoms, seek professional medical attention promptly.
