The word ‘pneumonia’ is bound to send chills up the spine - would you know how to recognise the symptoms?

Pneumonia is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, resulting in the build-up of fluid in the lungs. It’s most likely to strike in the colder months of autumn and winter and having the flu can seriously increase the risks of developing pneumonia. Pneumonia can also be caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to the British Lung Foundation, in the UK around 220,000 people receive a diagnosis of pneumonia each year¹.  Pneumonia can be life threatening, especially amongst the elderly and those with serious underlying health conditions.

This winter, prepare to be on hand to support your customers and know when you should refer.

• Pneumonia and those at risk
• Causes of pneumonia
• Symptoms of pneumonia
• Preventing the spread of pneumonia
• Pneumococcal vaccination
• Test your knowledge

 ^{1 British Lung Foundation - Pneumonia statistics}