World Pneumonia Day is celebrated

World Pneumonia Day is celebrated every year on 12th November with the aim to raise
awareness about this deadly disease. The theme for this year is “Every Breath Counts”. On
this day, a health talk regarding awareness of pneumonia was delivered to the people of EWS
area, sector 49 under the guidance of Dr. Madhu Gupta, Professor, Department of
Community Medicine & School of Public Health, PGIMER by Dr. Sugandhi Sharma, Senior
Resident, Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health. Mr Sahil and Mr
Abhishek (Student, Bachelor of Public Health (BPH), Department of Community Medicine
& School of Public Health, PGIMER) and other health care workers of Health & Wellness
Centre, sector 49 were also present.
Dr Sugandhi Sharma told about the pneumonia and its risk factors. During this Covid 19
pandemic, the risk of pneumonia has increased and changing environment is one of the
aggravating factors. Pneumonia is a form of respiratory infection that affects the lungs.
Children less than 2 years, elderly above 65 years of age and immunocompromised people
are at more risk of acquiring infection. She also discussed about the symptoms and danger
signs of pneumonia. If any child has fast breathing, chest indrawing, fever, low body
temperature, unconsciousness, unable to breast feed then parents should visit the nearest
health facility.
BPH students told about the preventive measures. Immunization at right time, exclusive
breast feeding upto 6 months, healthy diet and prevention from pollution are some important
measures to prevent from pneumonia.
At the end, Dr Sugandhi emphasized that early identification of symptoms can prevent the
death of child due to pneumonia. Maintaining social distancing, frequent hand washing and
wearing mask are the other measures to prevent from pneumonia during this time of
pandemic.