By Todd Hoffman, M.D.
Newsroom | Community Health
Office Visit: Breath Easy with Pneumonia Prevention
March 17, 2026
One of the most common causes of hospitalization in the U.S. is pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. Between cold and flu season, many Americans are at an increased risk for developing pneumonia. Fortunately, you can breathe easier knowing there are steps you can take to help keep yourself safe.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pneumonia is an infection most often caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which causes inflammation of the lungs and makes breathing difficult. In the U.S., the biggest pneumonia culprits are viral infections like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19, as well as bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae. Anyone can get pneumonia, but young children, older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems and chronic lung disease are most susceptible.
Todd Hoffman, M.D.
Symptoms include chest pain when breathing, cough, confusion, fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath. It’s important to see a doctor right away if your symptoms are severe, especially if you’re having trouble breathing and have a persistent fever. Pneumonia is frequently diagnosed using a chest X-ray and may be treated at home with medicines, like antibiotics. It can be fatal, with severe cases placing stress on the heart and raising the risk for a heart attack or stroke even after the patient has recovered. Hospitalization may be necessary for those with more serious cases.
Your best line of defense against pneumonia is prevention. Follow good hygiene, including washing your hands thoroughly, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and avoiding others who are sick. If you smoke, one of the best things you can do for your health is to quit – smoking damages healthy lung tissue.
Vaccines are widely available for viruses that commonly cause pneumonia, including COVID-19, the flu, whooping cough, and measles. There is also a pneumonia vaccine available that gives additional protection to those at a higher risk. As always, speak with your doctor about whether the pneumonia vaccine is right for you.
Let’s make it a good month!
Todd Hoffman, M.D., C.P.E., is chief medical officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a division of Health Care Service Corp., a Mutual Legal Reserve Company.