Prophylaxis

There is a prophylaxis for pneumonia insofar as the STIKO (Standing Commission on Vaccination) of the Robert Koch Institute has recommended vaccination against pneumococcus as a basic vaccination for all children since July 2006. This does not only apply to children.If you were not vaccinated as a child, you should do so as soon as you are over 65 years of age and have to deal with upper respiratory tract infections more often. The vaccination is also recommended if you have a known immune deficiency or suffer from a chronic disease (e.g. chronic bronchitis, diabetes). In the event of a flu epidemic, flu vaccination should be considered. A flu can also be the trigger of pneumonia.

Duration and prognosis of pneumonia

A typical pneumonia does not last longer than 2-3 weeks with proper treatment. In individual cases, a course of up to 12 weeks is possible, from 8 weeks on one speaks of a chronic disease. Atypical pneumonia is usually less severe and has a milder course.

Patients often do not even notice an atypical pneumonia as such, and assume a severe cold. The cold should usually have subsided within 2 weeks. In typical pneumonia, the condition worsens within the first week.

After that the healing phase begins. Complications can occur with immunocompromised or old patients: Although the average mortality rate (fatality of the disease) is a low 0.5%, the disease can be fatal. However, unfavorable factors can negatively influence this value.

For example, the CRB-65 score provides information about the possible course of pneumonia. C stands for confusion, R for respiratory rate if it is above 30 breaths per minute, and B for blood pressure below 90 over 60. The 65 finally stands for an age of 65 years or older.

One point is awarded for each applicable element of the CRB65 score. While 0-1nem point estimates lethality at 1-2% percent, if all four points are met, lethality is a high 31.2%. Therefore, patients scoring all four points are always treated in the ICU.