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More people die from pneumonia in the UK than anywhere else in Europe, according to new analysis by lung charity, Asthma + Lung UK.
Now, the charity is raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, and urging people who are eligible, such as those with severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to get their one-off pneumonia vaccine.
With the NHS already braced for one of the toughest winters in its history, as the triple threat of Covid-19, flu and pneumonia looms, Asthma + Lung UK is also calling on the UK government to prioritise respiratory services and ensure they remain a long-term focus for the NHS.
Pneumonia is usually caused by a bacterial infection or a virus such as flu and leads to the tissue in one or both lungs to swell or become inflamed. While mild pneumonia can be treated with medication at home, in some cases, pneumonia can be life-threatening and require hospital treatment.
Vital need for more investment into respiratory research
In the UK there are many people with pre-existing lung conditions who do not receive the support they need to manage their condition and stay well. Asthma + Lung UK says this could be contributing to the high death rates.
The charity says this data is another example of the nation’s poor lung health and the vital need for more investment into respiratory research to find better treatments for people with lung conditions. Lung conditions are the third biggest killer in the UK, but only receive 2% of public investment into research that would help diagnose, treat and manage them much more effectively.
Health experts say the pneumonia vaccine can reduce the likelihood of getting pneumonia by 50-70%, dramatically reducing the likelihood of serious illness and death. Those who are eligible for a free pneumonia vaccine from the NHS include:
- Adults aged 65 years or older
- Children and adults with certain long-term health conditions such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and severe asthma
- Adults at an occupational risk such as metal workers and welders
- Babies as part of their usual vaccination schedule.
Sarah Woolnough, CEO at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “It’s shocking the UK has the most deaths from pneumonia in Europe. The state of lung health in the UK isn’t good enough and we must do better to protect people from life-threatening chest infections, such as pneumonia. This winter is going to be hard on the nation’s lungs, with higher rates of respiratory infections and many people struggling to stay well with colder homes and fewer food choices.”