JAKARTA – Not only in COVID-19, immunity is also a very influential factor in a person’s risk of getting pneumonia. This was said by a specialist in internal medicine at the University of Indonesia Hospital, Dr. dr. Alvina Widhani, Sp.PD-KAI.
“Immune factors are very influential on whether a person can contract pneumonia or not,” said Alvina, quoted from Between, Monday, January 24.
Alvina explained that the causes of pneumonia are pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. According to research, several types of germs such as Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and respiratory viruses such as viruses that cause colds, flu, and COVID-19 are mostly found in adults or elderly people aged 65 years and over with pneumonia.
One way that can be done to increase immunity is by vaccination to increase immunity by forming antibodies so that the body is ready to ward off bacteria or viruses that will enter the body.
“Pneumonia can be invasive and non-invasive, the immune system can change from non-invasive to invasive, so this pneumonia vaccination is an important thing to do for the elderly, where their immune system will be lower,” said Alvina.
There are a number of things that need to be considered before vaccinating for pneumonia, namely, firstly, the indication of this vaccine is for those aged over 50 years and secondly, whether there is a history of allergies and acute symptoms.
Pneumonia is not a disease that cannot be prevented or treated. Lifestyle improvements such as smoking prevention, optimal nutrition, and vaccination are steps people can take to prevent pneumonia.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get the pneumonia vaccine as a way to prevent pneumonia.
The pneumonia vaccine can be given to infants, children, adults, and the elderly. According to the CDC, in adults 65 years of age and older, the pneumonia vaccine is 50-85 percent effective in protecting individuals from pneumonia.
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