Pneumonia in immunodeficient patient; Pneumonia - immunocompromised host
Prevention
If you have a weakened immune system and are in the hospital, you may receive daily antibiotics to prevent pneumonia.
Ask your health care provider if you should receive the influenza ("flu") and pneumococcal ("pneumonia") vaccines.
Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water:
- After being outdoors
- After changing a diaper
- After doing housework
- After going to the bathroom
- After touching body fluids, such as mucus or blood
- After using the telephone
- Before handling food or eating
Keep your house clean. Stay away from crowds. Ask visitors who have a cold to wear a mask or not to visit. Do not do yard work or handle plants or flowers (they can carry germs).
References
Donnelly JP, Blijlevens NMA, DePauw BE. Infections in the immunocompromised host. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R eds. Mandell, douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 308.
Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Mar 1;44 Suppl 2:S27-72.
Young LS. Approach to fever and suspected infection in the compromised host. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 303.
Previous Section
Review Date: 06/09/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in
Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division
of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
