Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Signs & symptoms of pneumonia can vary, depending on the severity and also the causative factors. Using an air disinfectant with UVGI technology such as OXIRA can be a solution to avoid pneumonia infection.

Pneumonia is an infection that causes air sacs in one or both lungs. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia. But the most common attacks are bacteria and viruses in the air. Most pneumonias occur when a person's immune system is weakened or compromised, so germs can attack and multiply in the lungs.

Then the body will provide resistance to destroy the invading organism. White blood cells quickly accumulate and immediately fight bacteria and fungi, then they will fill the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli), causing coughing up phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, age, and a person's overall health. Mild signs and symptoms are often similar to those of a cold or flu, but last longer. In addition, symptoms that can occur are:

1. Chest pain when breathing or coughing
2. Confusion or altered mental awareness (in adults 65 years and older)
3. Cough, which can produce phlegm
4. Fatigue
5. Fever, sweating and chills
6. Body temperature is lower than normal
7. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
8. Shortness of breath

Newborns and infants may show no signs of infection. Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating.

Pneumonia can affect anyone. But the two age groups with the highest risk are:

• Children aged 2 years or younger
• People aged 65 years and over

Other risk factors include:

• A person who is being treated in a hospital is at greater risk of developing pneumonia if he is in a hospital intensive care unit, especially if he is using a ventilator machine.
• Chronic disease. A person is more likely to get pneumonia if they have a chronic illness such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease.
• Smoking will damage the body's natural defenses against the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.
• A weakened or suppressed immune system. People who have HIV/AIDS, who have had an organ transplant, or who receive long-term chemotherapy or steroids are at risk.

So what can be done to prevent yourself and those around you from being infected with pneumonia?

1. Vaccination. Vaccines are available to prevent certain types of pneumonia and the flu. Consult a doctor before getting a pneumonia vaccine.
2. Make sure children get vaccinated. Doctors recommend different pneumonia vaccines for children under 2 years of age and for children 2-5 years of age who are at risk of developing pneumococcal disease. Doctors also recommend flu shots for children over 6 months.
3. Maintain cleanliness. To protect yourself from pneumonia infection, wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. Don't smoke. Smoking damages the lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.
5. Keep your immune system strong. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
6. Using UVGI technology air disinfectant such as OXIRA. This air disinfectant will damage the DNA / RNA of viruses, bacteria and infectious fungi circulating in the air of a closed room, then limit their ability to grow and reproduce. OXIRA will reduce the risk of transmitting airborne microbial infections.

PT Isotekindo Intertama is the official distributor for OXIRA. If you are interested in this product, please contact us in the contact column below.

References:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Pneumonia and Your Lungs
2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What is Pneumonia?
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Pneumococcal Disease in Adults and the Vaccines to Prevent It