Key steps to prevent pneumonia in children

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. Pneumonia causes more than 1 in 10 deaths of children below 5 years of age, killing over 740000 per year. 

Did you know?

It is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide? 🌎🌍🌏

Here are some key steps to prevent pneumonia in children.

• Reducing exposure to indoor air pollution 
• Adequate nutrition 
• Immunization 
• Avoiding smoking near children

What causes pneumonia in a child?

Pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria or viruses. Some of these bacteria and viruses can be spread by direct contact with a person who is already infected with them.

Common bacteria and viruses that may cause pneumonia are:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Mycoplasma pneumonia. This often causes a mild form of the illness called walking pneumonia.
• Group B streptococcus
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is most often seen in children younger than 5 years old.
• Parainfluenza virus
• Influenza virus
• Adenovirus

Pneumonia may sometimes be caused by fungi.

medicalnewstoday.com