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How can i prevent pneumococcal infection from coming back?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 40 years old and recently recovered from a severe episode of pneumococcal pneumonia. I am concerned about the possibility of this infection recurring. Could the pneumococcal bacteria have caused any permanent lung damage? What are the chances of further infections and how can I prevent them from happening again? Should I consider any additional treatments to strengthen my immune system or reduce my risk?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I am aware you just had pneumonia. Here are some ways to prevent future occurrences:

  1. Avoiding overcrowded areas.

  2. Avoid cooking indoors without proper ventilation.

  3. Avoid contact with sick people.

  4. Take influenza and pneumococcal vaccine

  5. Eat healthy foods like vegetables and fruits.

  6. You can take vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc-containing supplements to help boost your immune system.

  7. Pneumonia can cause permanent lung damage if it is not properly treated. You can have an X-ray or CT (Computed tomography) scan of the chest done to check for any lung damage.

    I hope I have answered your question.

    Let me know if I can assist you further.

    Regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At January 30, 2025
Reviewed At May 27, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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