Pneumonia prevention in winter

Winter months bring an increase in respiratory infections, and World Pneumonia Day (November 12) is a good reminder of how important early prevention is. Pneumonia can be serious, but timely recognition of symptoms and quick action make a big difference. Find out below what the early signs are that should not be waited for, who falls into the risk groups (the elderly, chronic patients, smokers, immunocompromised) and which tests are useful – from pulmonary examination and spirometry to DLCO and, if necessary, bronchoscopy.

Why pneumonia remains an important topic in winter

In winter, we often gather in closed spaces, the air is dry, and circulating flu viruses and RSV, which facilitates the spread of respiratory infections. Pneumonia (pneumonitis) is an inflammation of lung tissue that can occur due to viral (often after flu or other viral infections) or bacterial, most commonly as a secondary infection (e.g., pneumococcus). In risk groups and individuals with untreated chronic diseases, pneumonia can deteriorate quickly and lead to hospitalization. Time is crucial: the earlier we recognize symptoms and seek assessment, the better the outcomes and the shorter the recovery. Timely pulmonary examination and targeted tests (e.g., spirometry, DLCO; bronchoscopy if necessary) help confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment without delay. With prevention and good care, most patients recover without complications, but it is crucial to not wait when alarming symptoms appear.

Typical symptoms of pneumonia usually include cough (with or without sputum), fever with chills, chest pain when breathing, difficulty breathing/shortness of breath and significant fatigue and weakness that do not go away.

If you recognize these signs, be sure to contact a doctor – schedule a pulmonary examination at Priska Med Medical Center.Who is most at risk for pneumonia

The risk of severe pneumonia is higher in individuals over 65 years old, patients with chronic conditions such as COPD and asthma, as well as heart and kidney diseases or diabetes. Increased risk also exists for smokers, individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer patients or those on immunosuppressive therapy), residents of nursing homes and other forms of long-term care, and children under five years old. Pregnant women are advised to consult a doctor earlier if they experience symptoms such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing due to physiological changes during pregnancy.

If you are in a risk group

do not delay assessment: if symptoms do not decrease or worsen within 48-72 hours – for example, if fever rises, cough becomes more pronounced, or shortness of breath or chest pain occurs – seek a consultation as soon as possible. Early pulmonary examination and targeted tests significantly reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery.How to prevent pneumonia – 3 pillars of winter respiratory protection

The most important check-ups for every age – a guide to healthy living

Redoviti sistematski pregled i ciljano preporučene pretrage omogućuju otkrivanje bolesti u ranoj fazi, kada su šanse za uspješno liječenje najveće.

The winter period requires a proactive approach to respiratory protection: a combination of

targeted vaccination, early responses, and healthy home habits and good control of chronic lung diseases is the most effective way to reduce the risk of pneumonia and severe disease progression. Below we provide what this specifically means in practice in a clear, applicable way, tailored to your age and health profile. If you need an individual plan, our pulmonologists are always available to assist you.Vaccination

The most reliable protection for risk groups is vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for individuals over 65 years old, chronic patients, smokers, and immunocompromised patients, while flu vaccine is recommended for all adults, especially those at increased risk. For older and chronic patients, consideration should also be given to protection against RSV (

respiratory syncytial virus), which is best decided after consultation with a doctor.Early responses and home habits

Begin prevention at home: regularly ventilate rooms, wash hands, and avoid close contact with people who are coughing or have a fever. Enough sleep and hydration support the immune response, and quitting smoking improves lung function within a few weeks. If early signs of infection appear, rest, monitor your temperature, and seek advice before symptoms worsen.

Control of chronic lung diseases

Individuals with asthma or COPD should regularly monitor check-ups, check inhalation technique, and adhere to the agreed therapy plan. Stable underlying disease reduces the likelihood of severe pneumonia and shortens recovery if infection occurs.

When and whom to contact – a guide for the next step

Immediately seek medical evaluation if you experience significant shortness of breath or pressure and pain in the chest, if your

oxygen saturation is persistently low on the pulse oximeter or drops with minimal exertion, if older adults show confusion and disorientation, or if you have a persistent high fever that does not subside despite proper use of antipyretics. These are situations where delay can increase the risk of complications and prolong recovery.If cough, fever, chest pain when breathing, or shortness of breath lasts

longer than three to five days without clear improvement – especially if you are in a risk group – it is time for an examination. Early pulmonary examination enables targeted tests (e.g., spirometry, DLCO, further tests if necessary) and timely treatment, which significantly improves outcomes.Diagnostics at Priska Med Medical Center – what we offer and what a visit looks like

Pulmonary examination

Your visit begins with a discussion about symptoms, previous diseases and therapies, listening to the lungs, and evaluating breathing. Based on the findings, the doctor immediately proposes a further processing plan and, if necessary, includes therapy to quickly alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Spirometry

+ bronchodilator testWith spirometry, we measure how much air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly air moves through the airways. The examination is painless, usually lasts 10-20 minutes, and is crucial when there is suspicion of asthma or COPD. If necessary, we perform a bronchodilator test: after inhaling the medication, we measure breathing again to see improvement and more accurately determine the therapy.

DLCO (diffusing capacity)

DLCO assesses how effectively oxygen passes from the alveoli (lung bubbles) into the blood. We recommend this test when there is suspicion of lung parenchyma damage, persistent cough, or shortness of breath disproportionate to spirometry results, as well as when monitoring certain chronic diseases. The result helps to decide on further steps and treatment.

Allergy prick tests

In cases of cough, wheezing in the chest, or episodes of shortness of breath that occur seasonally or in contact with allergens, we can perform skin prick tests. They are quick and informative and help us distinguish between an allergic basis and other causes and adjust therapy.

Bronchoscopy (with or without sedation)

Allergy tests

When we need direct insight into the airways or take samples for analysis, we perform bronchoscopy. The procedure is guided by safety protocols, and based on clinical evaluation, it is also available in analgesosedation for greater comfort. Our team clearly explains the preparation, procedure, and recovery, and we organize all tests as quickly as possible so that you can receive a diagnosis and treatment plan in a short time.

Recovery after pneumonia and return to activities

Recovery after a respiratory infection requires patience and a gradual return to activities. The first few days prioritize rest and good sleep, along with regular hydration and a light, nutritious diet to bring the body back into balance. Cough should be controlled according to the doctor's instructions; it is helpful to avoid smoke, cold air, and excessive talking. Gradually introduce activities – first light walks and daily chores without effort, and only then return to regular training and more strenuous efforts. If shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, or significant fatigue persist longer than expected, a follow-up examination helps assess whether an additional step in diagnosis or therapy is needed. The goal is a safe return to routine, without symptom recurrence and with a feeling of strength steadily returning week by week.

Conclusion

The winter months increase the risk of respiratory infections, and timely recognition of symptoms and good prevention are crucial for faster recovery and fewer complications. If you suspect a breathing problem or need risk assessment, our pulmonary team guides you through clear steps – from examination to necessary tests and treatment plans.

Schedule an appointment at Priska Med Medical Center – quick, professional, and without a waiting list:

021 44 33 44

poliklinika@priska-med.com
Directly via the contact formprevention-of-pneumonia-in-winter