Doctors Warn Pneumonia Impacts Health Long-term; Urge Active Vaccination

TAIPEI (CNA) - Doctors today warned that pneumonia infections trigger systemic inflammatory responses, causing stable chronic diseases to worsen. A 57-year-old woman with chronic conditions suffered a significant health decline after successive infections of influenza and COVID-19. Experts urge a shift from 'passive response' to 'active prevention,' emphasizing that vaccination is a vital part of health management.

Chang Feng-yee, President of the Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan, warned at a press conference that pneumonia-induced systemic inflammation can exacerbate underlying chronic diseases and affect subsequent treatments. He corrected the myth that 'prior infection prevents serious illness,' noting that respiratory diseases can recur, with each infection dealing a new blow to health.

Wu Chih-hsing, of the Taiwan Association of Family Medicine, shared a case of a 57-year-old woman who previously refused vaccines due to her perceived good health despite having 'three highs' (high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol). After contracting both flu and COVID-19 and developing pneumonia, she survived but found her physical strength severely diminished. She now takes every available vaccine, but her previous health cannot be fully restored.

'Many elderly fear becoming a burden to others more than they fear death,' Wu warned. Pneumonia was the third leading cause of death in Taiwan in 2024. It increases the risk of ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias, with heart failure risk being 4.36 times higher than normal. Over 60% of seniors experience a decline in independent living functions within a week of an emergency visit for pneumonia.

Huang Chen-kuo, President of the Taiwan Association of Family Medicine, identified COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Streptococcus pneumoniae as the four major causes of pneumonia. He urged high-risk groups to discuss vaccination strategies with doctors to reduce the risk of severe illness and long-term health impacts.