World Pneumonia Day is held annually on November 12 to raise awareness of pneumonia, importance of prevention and treatment of the disease. More than 100 organizations representing the interests of children joined forces as the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia to hold the first World Pneumonia Day on 2 November 2009. It is a day set aside to:
- Raise awareness about pneumonia, the world’s leading killer of children under the age of five (5).
- Promote interventions to protect children against pneumonia and treat the disease.
- Generate action to combat pneumonia. casino online
World Pneumonia Day helps to bring this health crisis to the public’s attention and encourages policy makers and grassroot organizers alike to combat the disease.
In spite of the massive death toll of this disease, affordable treatment and prevention options exist. There are effective vaccines against the two most common bacterial causes of deadly pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae type B and Streptococcus pneumoniae as well as the most common viral cause of pneumonia, Orthomyxoviridae.
The Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia provides leadership for World Pneumonia Day and is comprised of over 140 NGOs, academic institutions, government agencies and foundations.
In honor of World Pneumonia Day, here are few things you need to know about pneumococcal disease:
- Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness throughout the world. The death rate is higher for adults aged 65 years and above.
- Pneumococcal disease is caused by a common type of bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) or pneumococcus, which can attack different parts of the body. The bacteria can spread through droplets in the air when a person with the infection coughs or sneezes.
- Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis (bloodstream infection), which can lead to severe complications.
- Pneumococcal disease can strike quickly and without warning. Depending on whether the infection causes pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis, individuals may experience some combination of the following: very sudden onset of high fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, stiff neck, and disorientation. Symptoms may be less specific in older adults, who may experience confusion or lack of alertness.
- Vaccination helps protect against pneumococcal disease and related complications. Vaccination reduces the chances of becoming infected with pneumococcal bacteria and is associated with improved survival, reduced chances of respiratory failure or other complications, and shorter in-patient stays for adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia caused by pneumococcal disease.
As you rely on FirstBank to help you keep your wealth in our various financial service options, remember that Health is Wealth and do make efforts to look after your health.
Visit any of our FirstBank branches or our website www.firstbanknigeria.om for more information on any of our financial services that could be helpful to you.
Image Source: SHUTTERSTOCK
