New statistics from the health ministry show that pneumonia was Taiwan’s third leading cause of death last year, claiming about 12,200 lives. 90% of victims were aged over 65.
If you have a cough, go see a doctor. You might have something much worse than a cold.
Dr. Huang Li-min, the head of Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan, says that the bacteria responsible for pneumonia can be found in nasal cavity. If a virus comes along, these bacteria can turn pathogenic. Dr. Huang says the death rate for pneumonia falls between 10% and 20% during the first month if hospitalization becomes necessary.
Pneumonia and colds present similar symptoms. The only difference is that patients with pneumonia will have a prolonged fever, yellow mucus, thick saliva, chest pain, and trouble breathing.
Those who are at risk include young children, senior citizens, and those with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or hyperlipidemia.
Dr. Lin Yung-ching with the Centers for Disease Control says that getting a pneumonia shot helps prevent the disease though these shots don't offer 100% protection.