Colds and Other Infections in the Lungs

Most people have had an infection in their lungs.  We call these respiratory infections.  They could be colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, and influenza.  They are caused by a virus and not a bacterium.  These diseases give you a cough, runny nose, fever, and a sick feeling.  The microbes are all around us and get inside our bodies through the mouth, nose, and eyes.  In the wintertime when people stay indoors, so do the microbes.  There is a greater chance of catching this kind of infection in the winter.

To prevent colds and other infections of the lungs, follow these rules:

1. If someone around you is sneezing and wiping his nose, that’s a good hint he has an infection and could give it to you.  Stay away until he is feeling better and no longer sneezing and blowing his nose.
2. Don’t share tissues, soft drink cans, dishes, or silverware with anyone with a cold, cough, or runny nose.
3. Don’t let anyone with a cold cough in your face or sneeze on you.
4. Don’t kiss anyone on the mouth that has a cold or respiratory infection.
5. Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest.  If possible take a vitamin each day.
6. Breathe lots of fresh air everyday.

If you get a cold or other infection in your lungs, take good care of yourself so you don’t get another infection on top of the first one.  Sleep a lot and drink lots of water and liquids.  Cover your mouth, with a tissue or handkerchief, when you cough and cover your nose if you sneeze.  Always put used tissues in the trash and don’t leave them lying around.  Stay in bed when you have a fever.  Go to the doctor if you don’t get better in a day or two.  You may need special medicine to help your body fight the microbes.

« Back to List

Colds and Other Infections in the Lungs