Pneumonia Quality Measures
Influenza (flu) viruses are the most common cause of viral
pneumonia. Flu viruses may also weaken the body and pave the way for bacterial
pneumonia infections (Porth, C. M. (Ed.). (2005). Pathophysiology:
Concepts of Altered Health States. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins).
Vaccination is needed to prevent viral infections since viruses
do not respond to antibiotics. Viruses such as influenza may also create ideal
conditions for the development of bacterial pneumonia infections.
Yearly flu vaccination helps to reduce pneumonia death and
disability, especially among high-risk groups such as those who are elderly,
diabetic, or those with weakened immune systems. Influenza viruses in the US
are different each year, so flu vaccination is needed annually. Flu vaccinations
are available in the fall and winter months, but the supply is not always abundant,
so it may be helpful to plan ahead and schedule a flu vaccination appointment
with your physician.
In
2006,
87 percent of eligible patients at
St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center received influenza vaccination unless otherwise contraindicated.
Pneumonia patients who have an up-to-date vaccination status are not eligible
for re-vaccination; therefore, this number is not expected to be 100 percent.