Just a few decades ago most pneumonia cases were hospitalized. Treatment of pneumonia today is generally done at home. Modern Home Care agencies can even maintain and instruct patients on administering intravenous medications, one of the biggest reasons for hospitalizing pneumonia patients. Supportive therapy such as diet and supplemental oxygen can also be delivered in the home. Prevention of pneumonia can be accomplished in a number of ways.
Vaccines can offer some protection.
The flu vaccine can help many since pneumonia is a common complication of the flu. There are also vaccination against some of the more common types of pneumonia bacteria including pneumococcal pneumonia and streptococcus pneumoniae. It is suggested that people with chronic illnesses, nursing home patients, and people over the age of 65 receive the pneumonia vaccine. Check with your physician to see if you're a candidate for this vaccine. Another type of pneumonia that is preventable is known as nosocomial pneumonia.