We can take certain measures to prevent this acute respiratory disease during the cold months of the year.

According to the Spanish Vaccinology Association, some 2.5 million people die each year from pneumonia worldwide. This figure reflects the extent of this acute respiratory disease, which continues to be the leading cause of infectious death.

What it is and who does it affect the most
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection caused by viruses and bacteria, mainly influenza virus, pneumococcus and coronavirus. It usually occurs in people at the extremes of life (children under 5; adults >60 years), although it can strike at any age.
Pneumonia also commonly affects people with chronic diseases involving immunosuppression (such as solid organ transplantation or cancer treatment with chemotherapy) or without it (such as cardiac, respiratory, hepatic and renal pathologies). Smoking is another risk factor.
Four ways to prevent it
Fortunately, there are now effective vaccines against the viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia. Certain habits can also help prevent the disease. Take note of the following tips:
Wash your hands frequently. Wash with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser to kill germs.
Quit smoking and drinking. Smoking increases the risk of pneumonia fourfold. Quitting drops the risk of pneumonia by half over the next 5 years. As for alcohol, heavy drinking predisposes you to more severe pneumonia.
Eat healthy. Poor nutrition increases the risk of pneumonia, as well as the likelihood of death over the course of the illness. Stay hydrated and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and legumes to prevent infection.
Practice good oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque formation and oral bacterial colonisation that can spread to the lungs and increase the risk of pneumonia. To prevent this, brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal and visit the dentist at least once a year.

Sources:
12 November: World Pneumonia Day. November 2022. Asociación Española de Vacunología Sociedad Española.

Prevención de la Neumonía. PortalClinic.

This post is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)