First Juan Gabriel, now Hillary Clinton, how do people catch pneumonia and how can you prevent this potentially fatal disease? Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs, which is caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. In many cases it starts with a cough and causes difficulties breathing. Pneumonia can be life threatening, especially if you have a weakened immune system or suffer from other chronic health problems.
According to Lisa BardaCk, MD, the former Secretary of State’s personal physician, Clinton was diagnosed with pneumonia after visiting her doctor during a follow-up evaluation of a prolonged cough related to allergies. She was put on antibiotics and was told to take some time off her busy schedule and rest, but she probably felt fine and this is why we saw Clinton at an outdoor memorial service for 9/11 victims at Ground Zero. Clinton was seen stumbling, probably because she stood in a crowd and out in the heat for about 90 minutes, which caused her to feel ill.
Dr. Michael Niederman, MD, American Thoracic Society member and professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, explained to Health about what he suspects is happening to Clinton. The way pneumonia presents itself has a lot to do with a person’s overall health. Those that are in good physical condition, typically get classic symptoms, like fever, chills, chest pains, and shortness of breath. Elder patients who suffer from chronic conditions, may have different symptoms, such as confusion, weakness–without respiratory problems.
“You would think the people who look sickest are the ones who are the worst off, but it really is the opposite,” Dr. Niederman says. “The people who look sickest are having a good immune response to the infection.”
Dr. Niederman suspects that Clinton had a lower-grade fever at the 9/11 event. “I’m going to guess that she had a low-grade fever, and dehydration is also common in pneumonia because you generally don’t feel well and don’t feel like eating and drinking,” he said. “If you’re running a fever or sweating, it’s even more likely to get dehydrated, and I think that’s probably what happened to her.” This is why just 3 or 4 hours later, she was seen up and walking around. She probably rested, had something to eat and kept hydrated because someone who has severe pneumonia or something more serious, wouldn’t be outside so quickly.
What Puts You At Risk?
Adults over the age of 65 have an increased risk for complications from pneumonia, and there are more serious cases that require hospitalization when they have chronic heart disease or other chronic illnesses. Most patients respond well to antibiotics and recover quickly.
There are a number of factors that put you at risk for pneumonia. Not to long ago, we heard of the news of Juan Gabriel passing away due to heart failure and complications of pneumonia. He suffered from diabetes and heart disease, so all of this combined led to his death. Other things that put you at risk for pneumonia include: smoking, lung diseases, such as COPD or asthma, an impaired immune system, alcohol addiction, and even a severe cold and flu. This is why it’s recommended to eat right, exercise, and to take care of yourself when you have a cold or flu, because the longer you keep from going to the doctor, the more dangerous it can get. A healthy body always recovers faster, than when you suffer from other issues. Which is why Clinton is expected to recover soon, but she does need to take some time off her busy schedule.