It seems last week’s What’s Going Around, Bronchitis, was a precursor for what is being seen this week. More people are coughing from upper respiratory viruses, which can lead to bronchial infections and possibly lung infections like What’s Going Around this week, Pneumonia.

Typically Pneumonia “season” goes hand in hand with wintertime flu season. And while Centra Care physicians aren't seeing as many cases as are seen during flu season, the increases from the previous week are significant.

Azalea Park & Lee Road – up 300%

Colonial Town, Formosa, Lake Buena Vista and Winter Garden Village - all up 200%

 

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Pneumonia can be easily diagnosed with a chest x-ray. While it is a relatively common infection of the lungs, it can be dangerous. It is the leading cause of death from infection. Pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria, but can also be caused by a virus. Most cases of pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics at home (also known as “walking pneumonia”), but depending on the severity, a person may need to be hospitalized.

Symptoms of Pneumonia include:

Fever Shortness of Breath Shallow & Fast Breathing Coughing (which may include mucus) Sweating & Chills

Headache Muscle Ache Loss of Appetite Fatigue

 

The symptoms of pneumonia often mimic other illnesses like asthma and bronchitis, so people often wait before seeking medical care. But developed pneumonia can cause severe symptoms, complications, as well as other illnesses -- which is why it’s so important to seek medical care promptly if you develop these symptoms. For those at high-risk like those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease, smokers, infants and the elderly -- pneumonia can be life threatening.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a pneumonia vaccine for all people age 65 and older and anyone age 2 – 64 years that is considered high-risk for complications from pneumonia.

If you need to see a doctor, Centra Care’s No Wait, Online Reservations allows you to secure a time at any of our locations that fits with your schedule. Now if you are sick or injured, you can schedule to see a doctor during your lunch break, after work, on the weekend, or whenever is convenient for you. For more information visit: www.CentraCare.org 

 

Sincerely,


Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3