Pneumococcal pneumonia is a very serious condition that needs more recognition. Especially since in Singapore, 20.7 per cent of deaths were due to pneumonia in 2019, as found by the Ministry of Health.
To raise more awareness on the condition, celebrity mum Diana Ser took to Instagram to explain why it should be discussed more among families. In her recent post for Know Pneumonia SG, Diana shared just how many individuals aged 65 and older are at an increased risk of pneumococcal pneumonia, no matter how healthy may be.
"The best gift I have ever given to my parents are my three kids. And to enjoy them, my folks have to be in good health," wrote the former actress on the issue.
What Is Pneumococcal Pneumonia?
According to the American Lung Association, pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most common types of bacterial pneumonia. This condition is said to be caused by bacteria that live in the upper respiratory tract.
Since it can easily spread through coughing, the common pneumococcal pneumonia symptoms that you should look out for are:
- High fever
- Excessive sweating
- Shaking chills
- Coughing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
You can also be at risk of this condition through smoking as well as other chronic conditions including asthma and diabetes.
But Diana shares that even if one is healthy, once they cross the age of 65 years old, they can be at risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia. "Pneumococcal pneumonia is an infectious, potentially serious bacterial lung disease you can catch anytime, anywhere," she adds.
Diana Ser Shares Why It's Important To Get Vaccinated For Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Through her informative post, Diana informed her followers on Instagram how elderly family members can still be protected with the pneumococcal vaccine. She added that this vaccine is "a nationally-recommended vaccine under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule."
With a reminder to inform our elderly folks about the vaccine, Diana shared how Singaporeans can also get subsidies in CHAS GP and polyclinics.
Some of her followers also left supportive comments under her post with Instagram user christine_gwee_lim, who wrote, "I had pneumonia twice in a year at age 37 and you could never imagine why you caught it. [To] cut the story short I was advise[d] to have my flu vaccine yearly (and timely) plus a pneumococcal vaccine. And let me tell you it’s been great after all these vaccination. It’s not for the old only."
Another user by the handle eleenne.t replied, "I've had to have surgery due to pneumonia complications in 2017, so YES, it's important to get immunised! Stay healthy!"
To end her post on a hopeful note, Diana writes, "I know I want my parents to see their grandkids graduate from school, get married ...have great[-]grandchildren!"
If you or know anyone else who could possibly be exhibiting pneumococcal pneumonia symptoms, please do not hesitate to seek help from a healthcare professional. Remember to care for your elderly loved ones and further encourage them as well as help them maintain their health.
Lead image source from Instagram / dianaserlye.
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