Doctors remind the public that pneumonia is not only serious, but can also be fatal. The public can work with doctors to evaluate the appropriate vaccination strategy based on age, health status, vaccination history and local epidemic trends. (Photo by reporter Lin Zhiyi)
[Reporter Lin Zhiyi/Report from Taipei] Pneumonia has long been among the top 10 causes of death in the country. However, after a 55-year-old man in the technology industry with a history of asthma was diagnosed with pneumonia, he was unwilling to spend time in the hospital because of his busy work. Fortunately, the doctor persuaded him to be hospitalized. After recovering, he was shocked to realize that he really almost died. He even said, "I didn't expect that pneumonia could be fatal." The doctor also reminded the public that pneumonia is not only serious, but can also kill.
A 55-year-old male patient who works in the technology industry sought medical treatment for respiratory symptoms such as mild fever and cough. He was diagnosed with pneumonia at the first visit. Although antibiotics were prescribed and the patient was asked to return home to recuperate, when he returned to the hospital 5 days later, his symptoms had worsened significantly, with symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. He was urgently transferred to the emergency room and was once evaluated to be admitted to the intensive care unit.
Cao Yuting said that the patient was unwilling to be hospitalized because of his busy work. However, after some persuasion, the patient was finally willing to follow the doctor's advice and was discharged successfully after treatment. After recovery, he was thankful that he never thought that pneumonia would be fatal. He also mentioned that he had asthma when he was young and did not think he had the capital. In the end, he chose to receive the pneumococcal vaccine at his own expense to avoid a similar situation from happening again.
Regarding Streptococcus pneumoniae, Cao Yuting explained that Streptococcus pneumoniae may "silently exist" in the nasopharynx of people until they are infected with respiratory diseases and their immunity is weakened. It will take advantage of the situation and further cause infections, such as sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, and even invade the blood and cause sepsis. The bacteria also move with the blood and cause meningitis and osteomyelitis, which can occur all year round. You should pay more attention to it in winter and early spring.
In addition, Cao Yuting mentioned that 1/4 of community-type pneumonia in Taiwan is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Among them, invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae has a higher mortality rate and higher risk of severe illness, and may still leave long-term sequelae after recovery from severe illness. Among survivors of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, up to 50% suffer from long-term neurological sequelae such as hearing loss, impaired cognitive function, and epilepsy.
Wu Zhixing, an attending physician at the Department of Family Medicine at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, said that the government has provided publicly funded pneumococcal vaccines to the elderly and risk groups, but people should not understand their health risks simply based on their age. In addition to their own medical history, they should also understand the risks of their family history. Different age groups require different vaccines. For example, young people need influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, patients with chronic diseases are recommended to get pneumococcal vaccines, and all elderly people must get them.
Huang Zhenguo, chairman of the Taiwan Family Medicine Association, reminded that pneumonia prevention should start from daily life. In daily life, you should develop a good lifestyle such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. At the same time, you should also take the initiative to understand your own age, chronic diseases, vaccination history, and consult your family doctor to understand the disease vaccine plan that suits you. A multi-pronged approach can keep you away from the threat of disease.
