Pneumonia: Self-Care

Pneumonia is not something you want to worry about ... especially if you're already dealing with another health problem.

So how can you help put pneumonia behind you?

Start with your antibiotics.

Take them as prescribed ... Don't stop taking them, even if you start to feel better.

And follow your doctor's instructions about any other medicines you're taking.

It's also important to manage other health problems you might have.

You can't pay less attention to them because of pneumonia.

So keep going to all your doctor appointments, and follow any treatment plans you have.

And if you feel that one of your plans is getting in the way of another plan, ask your doctor for help.

Be sure to drink plenty of water when you're thirsty.

It may help you feel better and may help you from getting dehydrated.

When you're sick, you may need more fluid than usual.

Now ... if you have to limit fluids because of another health problem, talk with your doctor first.

It's very important to rest. Trying to do too much, too fast, can slow your recovery.

Activities that may seem simple can really make you tired.

So, ask a family member or friend to pick up a prescription for you.

Or make the grocery list yourself, but ask if someone else can do the shopping.

Now these next items might be hard to plan for right now ... but think about what you might do to keep yourself healthier in the future.

This includes things like getting flu and pneumococcal vaccines, and ... if you smoke ... quitting smoking.

And two final things: Do your best to stay away from people who have colds or don't feel well. And watch for problems.

Call your doctor if you get more short of breath or if you get a new fever.

It's not easy dealing with pneumonia and other health problems too.

But doing these things can really help you.

Which ones sound like things you might be able to do?