Common Winter Illnesses can Lead to Pneumonia Diagnoses

Each year, more than 1 million Americans seek treatment for pneumonia. With several pneumonia related fatalities this year, Care Station Medical Group urges everyone to receive the Pneumococcal 23 or Prevnar vaccine, as well as other preventative vaccinations, and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this potentially life threatening disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 million Americans seek hospital care due to pneumonia and each year, about 50,000 people die from the disease.

The infection can occur in one or both of your lungs, causing inflammation and fluid buildup. While some people are more at risk for contracting the infection than others, anyone can get pneumonia. However, the infection is most serious for young children, those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. Globally, nearly 1 million children under the age of 5 die each year from the disease.

“Pneumonia is extremely prevalent during the winter season, due to the increased number of flu and cold cases, which weaken the body’s immune system,” said Dr. Richard Bezozo, CEO of Care Station Medical Group. “The winter months are notorious for hosting the very contagious flu virus, which can eventually lead to different severities of Pneumonia. A great way to prevent Pneumonia is to receive an annual flu vaccination and to routinely monitor for flu-like symptoms.”

Some of the most common symptoms of pneumonia include fever, shaking, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, coughing, chills, rapid breathing, chest pains, loss of appetite or a general feeling of weakness or ill health. Newborns and infants do not always show immediate signs of Pneumonia but may appear overly tired and restless while having difficulty breathing, sleeping or eating. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or your family, visit your doctor immediately, before the infection becomes more serious or even life-threatening.

“Pneumonia can be an extremely dangerous infection if it is not treated with medication early on,” said Dr. Bezozo. “It is vitally important that you and your family receive your annual flu shot, which will lessen your chances of contracting other diseases. We encourage our patients to practice healthy habits this winter as well, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking and getting enough rest each night. These small things can make a world of a difference for you and your family this winter.”

Pneumococcal, influenza, and other vaccinations are available now at all Care Station Medical Group locations. For a full list of available vaccinations, visit https://carestationmedical.com/immunizations/.

No appointment is necessary at Care Station in the Linden, Secaucus, Springfield and West Orange locations, but appointments may be scheduled ahead of time. For appointments at any Care Station location, please call 908-925-2273.

About Care Station Medical Group:

Quality primary, urgent and occupational care, along with extended hours, is available at four Care Station Medical Group locations, in Linden, West Orange, Springfield and Secaucus. No appointment is necessary for your urgent medical care needs at Care Station. Affiliated practices in Garwood and Succasunna provide primary care by appointment only. Care Station Medical Group accepts most insurance plans and has provided exceptional care to its patients since 1990.

For more information on vaccinations, to make an appointment, or other medical information, visit CareStationMedical.com.