Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs, causing the air sacs in the lungs to fill with pus and fluid [44723]. It can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal agents. Signs of pneumonia include fever, cough, rapid or difficulty breathing, chest pain and fatigue. Smoking, as well as environmental factors such as crowded housing and indoor air pollution increase the risk of developing pneumonia [44723].

Pneumonia is a major cause of illness and mortality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [42101]. It particularly impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and older people, who are hospitalised at high rates.

In addition to good hygiene and smoke free environments, vaccination is a key strategy in the prevention of pneumonia [44724]. Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), free vaccinations for pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are available for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adults [42960].