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it often starts like a cold just a cough
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maybe a bit of fatigue But when your
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chest tightens your breathing becomes
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labored and your fever spikes you could
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be facing something far more serious
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than the common flu Pneumonia a
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potentially life-threatening infection
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can strike quickly and demand swift
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recognition and action Pneumonia is an
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infection that inflames the air sacks in
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one or both lungs These air sacks may
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fill with fluid or pus causing cough
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with fleg fever chills and difficulty
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breathing It can be caused by bacteria
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viruses or fungi And it affects millions
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of people worldwide each year While some
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cases are mild others require
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hospitalization particularly among the
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elderly infants and those with weakened
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systems Recognizing the symptoms early
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Common signs include persistent cough
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often producing mucus sharp chest pain
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that worsens with deep breathing or
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coughing high fever sweating chills
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fatigue and shortness of breath In older
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adults confusion or low body temperature
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may be the only sign For children
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symptoms may include vomiting trouble
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eating or difficulty breathing The key
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to managing pneumonia is prompt
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diagnosis A physical exam chest X-ray
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and blood tests are typically used to
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confirm the presence and type of
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pneumonia Once identified treatment is
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based on the underlying cause Bacterial
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pneumonia is treated with antibiotics
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while viral pneumonia may improve with
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antiviral medications and supportive
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care Fungal infections though rarer
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require specialized antifungal treatment
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Rest hydration and fever management are
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essential for recovery In some cases
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oxygen therapy or hospitalization may be
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necessary especially if breathing become
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severely impaired People with chronic
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illnesses such as asthma or COPD should
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vigilant Prevention is equally important
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Vaccines such as the pneumacco vaccine
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and the annual flu shot can
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significantly reduce the risk of
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Maintaining strong hygiene habits
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avoiding smoking and staying physically
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active all help keep your immune system
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in top shape Knowledge is your best
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defense The earlier you spot the warning
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signs of pneumonia the better your
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chances of a full recovery Don't brush
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off a persistent cough or fatigue Your
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body could be telling you it needs help
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Have you ever ignored flu-l like
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symptoms that turned out to be something
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more serious how do you stay alert and
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protect your lungs during peak cold and
