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I have a lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis and because of this disease I get pneumonia at least 2-3 times a year…what can I do to minimize getting it?

The most important thing for you is to keep up with your doctor’s office visits- both with your pulmonologist and Family doctor as well as any other specialists you have been referred to. Follow your doctor’s medical advice, take any and all prescribed meds, get your vaccines and make sure to avoid smoking. Keeping a healthy weight and eating healthy are important too. 

How often should I get the pneumonia vaccination…annually?

The pneumonia vaccine is not typically given every year. You should speak with your doctor because the age at which you get the vaccine has a lot to do with your underlying medical conditions. How often you need to be re-vaccinated depends on similar criteria. Cdc.gov has immunization schedules for you to look at and make sure you see your doctor.

Doctor, I’m familiar with the annual flu shot but never knew that there’s a vaccination for pneumonia. Are these two shots one and the same?

Good question! There is a pneumonia vaccine and it is not the same as the flu vaccine. The pneumonia vaccine is important for people of certain ages and with certain medical conditions. Visit cdc.gov for more information on immunization schedules and make sure to discuss this with your doctor!

I work in a manufacturing plant. I have never been diagnosed with asthma, howeever since working here my doctor diagnosed me with occupational asthma. I work around different fumes and a lot of dust, with no mask because they said it was safe. My question is, is being around cancer-causing chemicals, could it lead to much worse for my lungs?

 I think it is always important to be careful and cautious around fumes and other particles that can be inhaled. You should talk more with your doctor and pulmonologist about your risk factors, ways to protect yourself and other precautions you should be taking.

Is walking pneumonia a real thing?

“Walking pneumonia” is a thought to be a less severe form of pneumonia. It is often caused by bacteria classified as “atypical bacteria” which can cause pneumonia that is less severe than other types of pneumonia. Make sure to see your doctor if you think you have pneumonia or walking pneumonia.

 Dr. Jen, I’m battling bronchitis, and used to get a flu shot every seven years. Is there any harm in getting that shot more regularly? 

We recommend getting the flu shot annually. Please visit cdc.gov for more information about vaccines and vaccine schedules, and make sure to speak with your doctor about getting the annual flu vaccine.

Dr. Jen Caudle is a board-certified family physician and associate professor at Rowan University. She frequently appears as a health expert on the Dr. Oz Show, Fox News, CNN, HLN and others.

Dr. Caudle graduated with honors from Princeton University and earned her medical degree from University of Medicine and Dentistry School of New Jersey.

For more information visit Dr. Caudle at www.drjencaudle.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/drjennifercaudle and twitter/Instagram at @drjencaudle.

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