Protect Your Hero

We all love and care for our nearest and dearest. Our family members and loved ones are real-life heroes who love and protect us, but they need looking after too. It is important that we do all we can to protect them and their emotional and physical health. 

Pneumonia is a serious problem that can affect anyone of any age.1 When looking out for our loved ones we should try and do whatever we can to help prevent them from getting pneumonia and protect our very own heroes.

Did you know? 

Every year, up to
1 in 100 adults in the UK develops pneumonia2

Pneumonia can affect people for a long time, with fatigue lasting up to 3 months and it taking up to 6 months to get back to normal3   

Approximately 1 in 5 adults hospitalised with pneumonia is under 65 years of age in England4

During a flu infection, and for up to 1 week after, you are around 100 times more likely to develop pneumonia5

What is pneumonia?

Cause of pneumonia​​​​​​​

Pneumonia is a respiratory illness caused by infection from bacteria, viruses or fungi, which can lead to irritation and inflammation of the lungs.6

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia

Many people may not realise that they have pneumonia because the symptoms vary and are similar to those of the common cold and flu.1,6

View References
  1. NHS. Pneumonia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/. Last accessed November 2022.
  2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Pneumonia in adults. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs110/resources/pneumonia-in-adults-pdf-75545291391685. Last accessed November 2022
  3. NHS. Pneumonia Treatment. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/treatment/. Last accessed November 2022.
  4. NHS Digital. Hospital Episodes Statistics for England. Hospital Admitted Patient Care Activity, 2021-22. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/hospital-admitted-patient-care-activity/2021-22.  Last accessed November 2022.
  5. Shrestha S, Foxman B, Weinberger DM, Steiner C, Viboud C, Rohani P. Identifying the interaction between influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia using incidence data. Sci Transl Med. 2013 Jun 26;5(191):191ra84.
  6. Asthma and Lung UK. What is Pneumonia. Available at: https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/pneumonia/what-is-pneumonia/ . Last Accessed November 2022.
  7. NHS, Pneumonia Vaccinations. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pneumococcal-vaccination/. Last accessed November 2022.
PP-UNP-GBR-2045  November 2022