Why We Should Protect Our Kids and Babies From Pneumonia

Our preventive measures against COVID-19 are what kept pneumonia from hurting our babies and our kids. But now, that dam has been opened.

Colds and cough — these are the most common symptoms our kids show. Oftentimes, it’s easy to dismiss them as just allergies because of the weather. But, there are some days that these symptoms are signs of something more foreboding. During a media panel last August 11, 2023, Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding and Pediatrician Dr. Anna Ong-Lim presented the looming threat pneumonia poses to babies and kids now that COVID-19 has taken the back seat.

Pneumonia is the most common cause for hospitalization

“Now that we’re entering the post-pandemic era, the lifting of restrictions we had for COVID-19 are what’s allowing these diseases like pneumonia to become common again in kids and in babies,” shares Dr. Anna.

Kids and babies, especially those below five years old, have a unique susceptibility to pneumonia. Especially 20 years ago, the vaccine for the said disease only came out in 2010 in the Philippines. And by then, many people have died of the disease because it also had a high comorbidity with other diseases like Diabetes and HIV. In kids and babies, however, their chances of catching the disease depends on many different factors, according to the two experts.

“There are so many factors that affect the prevalence of pneumonia,” reveals Dr. Anna. “These include children lacking nutrition, they lack access to early intervention, and unique events like their growth rate being below average. Other factors include crowded homes, indoor air pollution, and secondhand smoking.”

How can parents tell if their kids or babies have pneumonia?

“One of the most common signs of pneumonia in kids and babies is that they have difficulty or labored breathing,” shares Dr. Anna. “Nahihirapan sila huminga when they move around or do things.”

But these cases can also show most severely in babies who have weaker immune systems. “Besides difficulty breathing, babies may be fussier than usual. They won’t feed or drink. Worst cases we’ve seen include convulsions, hypothermia, and even unconsciousness,” shares Dr. Rosario.

Luckily, ever since 2010, the Philippines already had the technology to treat the vicious disease. Some don’t even require hospitalization and can address milder cases from home.

How can parents protect their babies and kids from pneumonia?

Preventing pneumonia in our kids and babies and protecting them from it boils down to two things: nutrition and getting their vaccines updated. Because, unlike other diseases that are classified as either bacterial or viral, pneumonia falls under both categories. “Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most common in kids,” reveals Dr. Anna.

The disease’s complex nature is why we need to contact our doctors if ever we suspect our kids of having it. Some strains have already proven to be antibiotic resistant, as confirmed by Dr. Rosario. “Because many and various organisms can cause pneumonia, it’s possible for kids and babies to get both.”

Before the vaccines, kids and babies gained their immunity through their mother’s breastmilk. But there will always be extreme and special cases when moms can’t breastfeed. “That’s where moms will really have to sterilize the milk and the environment so their babies’ immune systems can adjust and grow slowly. And in the meantime, there are lactation consultants to help find the root of many breastfeeding problems.”

Pneumonia today is treatable with the right intervention and support!

Although COVID-19 is no longer a threat, that doesn’t mean we stop wearing masks when we’re sick or maintaining a certain level of hygiene. All the protocols made to keep COVID-19 at bay also protected our kids and babies from other diseases like pneumonia. And because of the high prevalence of the disease, the pneumonia vaccine is free for families who wish to protect themselves from the virus or bacteria that can hurt their elderly or their babies.

“Although there is no schedule,” Dr. Rosario confirms. “The best time to get the pneumonia vaccine for kids and babies is when they’re still below five years old. But for those who are older, best to consult a family doctor for the next best possible action.”

Check the DOH for the recommended vaccines for kids!

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