As winter approaches, experts have urged Britons to be on the lookout for any potential warning signs to prevent serious illness – and even death. 1 Data collated by Asthma + Lung UK found that each year more than 25,000 people die from pneumonia in the UKCredit: Getty Pneumonia is a swelling of the tissue in one or both lungs and is often caused by a bacterial infection or virus, the NHS says. Data collated by Asthma + Lung UK found that each year more than 25,000 people die from pneumonia in the UK – a death rate that exceeds all other European countries. Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of the charity said: “It is shocking that the UK has the highest number of pneumonia deaths in Europe. “The state of lung health is not good enough and we need to do better to protect people from life-threatening chest infections such as pneumonia.” He warned this winter would be “tough on the nation’s lungs”, with higher rates of respiratory infections expected and people struggling to heat their homes forced to stay out in the cold. While the elderly are most at risk of the condition, the charity has warned that it can be life-threatening at any age. Now, they are urging those who qualify to get the one-time pneumonia shot – adding that it could prove a lifesaver for many. This includes people with underlying health problems, including severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “The best thing you can do if you have a lung condition is to make sure your vaccinations are up to date, including the flu shot, and if you’re eligible for the Covid and pneumonia vaccine,” Ms Woolnough added. “It could save your life.” Those eligible for free NHS pneumonia vaccine include:
Adults aged 65 and over Adults and children with a long-term health condition, including COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and severe asthma Adults at occupational risk, such as metal workers and welders Babies as part of their routine vaccination schedule.
“I Woke Up Ugly”
Jardine Howlett, a PR manager from West Sussex, knows all too well the dangers of pneumonia. The 39-year-old went to bed the night before her son’s birthday in 2017, feeling unwell. “I woke up in the middle of the night gasping,” she said. “It was absolutely terrifying.” Jardine desperately called 999 and with no time to kiss her son goodbye, she was rushed to hospital with lung failure and coughing up blood in the back of the ambulance. Within minutes of her arrival at the hospital, she was connected to IV antibiotics, transferred to the ICU and placed in an induced coma. “It turned out I had pneumonia, caused by a bacterial infection,” he added. “I didn’t come home for almost three months, I was lucky to come home at all. “You think of pneumonia as something that only affects the elderly, but it can affect anyone at any age and can cause life-threatening complications.”
“DON’T RISK YOUR LIFE – GET CHEATED”
Now, Jardine is backing the charity’s call for people to be vaccinated. “While I’ve been lucky, there have been side effects such as shortness of breath, fatigue and brain fog that have persisted and my lungs are still my weak point,” the 39-year-old warned. “I want to encourage everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, to be up to date on their vaccines. “I have a pneumonia shot every five years, an annual flu shot and the latest Covid shot. Prevention is better than a cure.”
fatal infections
Across the UK, figures show there have been a total of 126,229 deaths from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIS) over the past five years. LRTIs include pneumonia, acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, influenza, and pertussis, but the majority of deaths seen in this category are from pneumonia. In England, 81.9 per cent of LRTI deaths in 2017-2021 were from pneumonia. Of those who die, 85 percent are over 75, – age is the biggest risk factor for death from pneumonia.
What are the 15 symptoms of pneumonia you should know?
Symptoms may be different from the signs of infection seen in adults. While the symptoms of pneumonia are similar to other illnesses, such as a chest infection – they can develop in 24 hours or over a more gradual period, says the NHS. Here are the various signs to be aware of: In an emergency, always call 999. If you are worried about pneumonia and its symptoms or want advice about getting the vaccine, you can call the helpline on 0300 222 5800. In an emergency, you should always call 999.
