At this time of the year, you have to be especially careful with pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that can attack one or two lungs and can be caused by germs, bacteria, viruses or fungi. Depending on its severity, it can be mild or even mortal. It is very dangerous in babies, children under the age of 2, older adults and people with chronic diseases or weak immune systems

Getting vaccinated against pneumonia, washing your hands frequently and not smoking are some measures to prevent this infection. The symptoms are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer and are more intense: chest pain when breathing or coughing, coughing up phlegm, fatigue, fever, disorientation, chills, and difficulty breathing. Consult a doctor if these signs appear in a persistent manner: 39° C (102.2 °F) fever, cough, chills

To diagnose this infection, the specialist will perform a physical examination and laboratory tests

Dr. Julio Cachay
Internist at Clínica Ricardo Palma