Prevention

Germs are spread both by aerosolized droplets that you breathe in (such as from a sneeze), and through body fluids left on surfaces like counter tops and door handles. If you avoid people who are coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands frequently, you can reduce your chances of catching a virus.

Fluids and rest during bouts of the common cold can help prevent progression to pneumonia.

Travel to endemic areas can increase your chances of developing influenza or SARS. If you develop a severe respiratory illness after travel to these areas or are taking care of someone who has, contact your doctor immediately, and avoid spreading this illness to others by washing hands frequently and avoiding coughing or sneezing near others.

• If you get a flu shot every fall, you reduce your chances of getting influenza pneumonia.

• If you have never had chickenpox, you can get a shot to prevent it. This reduces your chances of getting varicella pneumonia.