Wellbeing insights: Pneumonia and why you should be concerned

Pneumonia was the leading cause of death in Malaysia in 2023, surpassing health conditions such as heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases. 

It is an acute respiratory infection caused primarily by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This infection inflames the air sacs in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and breathing difficulties. These infections are generally spread through direct contact with infected individuals and can range from mild to life-threatening conditions. Pneumonia remains a significant public challenge, claiming thousands of lives annually despite being preventable and  treatable medical condition.

What are the risk factors for pneumonia?

Pneumonia often begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. However, it can progress rapidly, which may lead to organ failure or even death.

Which lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be treated with oral antibiotics if it is a bacterial infection. However, escalated cases may require hospitalisation and oxygen therapy. Those suffering from pneumonia should get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to aid recovery.

You can reduce the risk of pneumonia by:

• Getting vaccinated – immunisation against Haemophilus Influenzae type B (HiB), pneumococcus, measles, influenza, and whooping cough (pertussis) is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia.
• Maintaining good hygiene – wash your hands frequently to keep germs at bay.
• Quit smoking and enhance air quality – quit smoking and consider using an air purifier to ensure you can breathe deeply without fear of developing pneumonia or coughing.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – practise a healthy diet, ensure adequate nutrition, and exercise regularly to boost your immunity.

How can employers and employees protect themselves?

As an employer, ensuring the health and well-being of your workforce is essential. Taking proactive measures to prevent diseases such as pneumonia can help reduce health-related absences and minimise productivity losses.

Actionable tips for employers

• Encourage vaccination – vaccines are available to protect against the most common causes of pneumonia. Promoting awareness of the importance of vaccination can help prevent the disease.
• Foster a healthy work environment – encourage your employees to stay home if they are unwell and ensure proper workplace hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning of shared decks and common areas.
• Health screenings – regular health check-ups can identify individuals who may be at higher risk for pneumonia, allowing for early intervention.

Actionable tips for employees

• Get vaccinated – vaccines can reduce the risk of pneumonia. Consult your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriate vaccinations for you and schedule them accordingly.
• Practice good hygiene – frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes can help prevent the spread of infections.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can strengthen your immune system and reduce the likelihood of infection.
• Seek prompt medical attention – if you experience symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever, consult a healthcare provider immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Given the high mortality rate associated with pneumonia, health insurance coverage is more important than ever, especially with rising medical costs globally. We recommend reviewing your company’s health insurance policies on an annual basis to ensure comprehensive coverage for your workforce.

Source: Statistics on Causes of Death, Malaysia, 2024, Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM)

This article is provided by HBG Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. for information and educational purposes only. The content is intended to provide general information and should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.