In 2020, the world seemed to come to a halt as various countries went into lockdown.

This was due to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which was later referred to as the COVID-19 virus.

One of the common effects of its spread on patients was the development of pneumonia.

Today, November 12, we commemorate World Pneumonia Day.

It was first commemorated in 2009, led by the Global Alliance Against Child Pneumonia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies partnered with this group to raise public awareness about this illness.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 2.2 million people who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away due to pneumonia, according to the Global Burden of Disease, a non-government organization.

Of this number, 500,000 were infants and children up to 5 years old.

But what exactly is pneumonia, and why is it deadly?

This disease can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Common bacteria that cause pneumonia include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B.

The measles virus, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza are among the viruses that can also cause pneumonia.

These attack the patient’s lungs, causing inflammation in the air sacs, leading to breathing difficulties, which is one of its symptoms.

Aside from coughing, having a high fever, lip discoloration, weakness, and chest tightness are also symptoms.

If not immediately addressed, it can lead to complications, such as sepsis or a severe weakening of the immune system.

There are steps to prevent it, such as avoiding smoking, handwashing, limiting alcohol intake, wearing a face mask when you have a cough, getting vaccinated against pneumonia, and consulting a doctor if symptoms appear.

Because even a simple illness, if left unchecked, can lead to complications.

By: Valerie Dismaya