English
Հայերեն
Русский
To raise public awareness about pneumonia, Gevorg Boyajyan, Head of the Pulmonology and Pediatrics Department of the Arabkir Medical Center, answers common questions asked by parents.
Does pneumonia occur only in winter?
No. Severe cases of pneumonia can also occur in summer — and in some cases, may even be more severe than those seen in winter.
Do children with pneumonia always have a fever?
One of the main signs of pneumonia is a high fever lasting three days or more. In 97% of cases, an elevated temperature is present. The belief that a temperature of 37.2°C is “a pneumonia temperature” is incorrect.
Is treatment less effective when managed at home?
According to international guidelines, many children can be safely and effectively treated for pneumonia at home, as long as they do not have any signs of severe illness.
Does vaccination fully protect against pneumonia?
Pneumococcal vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of developing pneumonia and also makes the disease milder if a child does become ill.
Is pneumonia a contagious disease?
The contagiousness of pneumonia is very low.
To reduce the risk of the disease, Dr. Boyajyan emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, timely vaccination, and dressing children appropriately to avoid overheating. He also highlights the role of proper nutrition and strongly advises against smoking in the presence of a child. Cigarette smoke damages a child’s airways, making them more susceptible to infections.
