🌬️ Pneumonia Cases Rise During the Winter Season: Know the Reasons and How to Stay Safe

Every winter, hospitals in Bangladesh see a sharp rise in pneumonia cases — especially among children, the elderly, and people with weak immunity. Pneumonia is not just a “bad cold.” It’s a serious lung infection that can become life-threatening if ignored.


What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing breathing difficulty and low oxygen levels in the body.

Common Symptoms:

Weakness and loss of appetite
Persistent cough (sometimes with phlegm)
Fever and chills
Shortness of breath
Chest pain when breathing or coughing
Weakness and loss of appetite

❄️ Why Pneumonia Increases During Winter
Cold & Dry Air: Winter air dries out the nose and throat, making it easier for germs to enter the lungs.

Crowded Indoors: People stay indoors with closed windows — increasing the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Weakened Immunity: Low sunlight means less Vitamin D, which weakens the immune system.

Air Pollution & Smoke: Common in cities like Dhaka during winter — damages lungs and increases infection risk.

👶 Who Is Most at Risk?

• Babies and children under 5 years
• Adults over 60 years
• People with asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
• Smokers or those exposed to second-hand smoke
• Malnourished individuals

🛡️ How to Stay Safe This Winter

✅ Get vaccinated — Flu and pneumonia vaccines help prevent severe infection.

✅ Eat healthy — Include foods rich in Vitamin C (orange, lemon) and Vitamin D (fish, egg yolk).

✅ Stay warm — Dress properly and avoid sudden temperature changes.

✅ Keep air clean — Ventilate your room; avoid indoor smoking or burning coal.

✅ Wash hands regularly — Prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria.

✅ Seek medical help early — If cough or fever lasts more than 2 days, don’t delay seeing a doctor.

💬 Final Message

Pneumonia is preventable and treatable — but only if you act early. A warm blanket is not enough; protect your lungs with awareness, nutrition, and timely medical care.

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