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Each year 60, 000 Americans die of pneumonia—an inflammation of the lungs usually caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms. Pneumonia is a particular concern for older adults and is a leading cause of death.

Pneumonia often mimics a cold or flu, beginning with a cough and fever, so you may not realize the seriousness of it. Symptoms vary depending on the type of organism causing the infection.

* Bacterial pneumonia, which can occur on its own, at the same time as viral pneumonia, or may develop after you’ve had a viral upper respiratory infection such as influenza. Older adults and people with a chronic illness or compromised immune system may have fewer or milder symptoms than less vulnerable people do. Signs and symptoms, (likely to come on suddenly), include chills, high fever, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a cough that produces thick, greenish or yellow phlegm.

* About half of pneumonias are viral, usually beginning with flu-like signs and symptoms. It usually starts with a dry (nonproductive) cough, headache, fever, muscle pain and fatigue. As the disease progresses, you may become breathless and develop a cough that produces just small quantities of phlegm that may be clear or white.

* Mycoplasma is a tiny organism that causes signs and symptoms similar to those of other bacterial and viral infections, although symptoms appear more gradually and are often mild and flu-like. You may not be sick enough to stay in bed or seek medical care. That’s why this type of pneumonia is often referred to as walking pneumonia.

Pneumonia can be life threatening. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience a persistent cough and/or any of the signs and symptoms mentioned.

You usually don’t “catch” pneumonia; it develops because the immune system is temporarily weakened. These suggestions can help prevent the disease:

* Get vaccinated. Because pneumonia can be a complication of the flu, getting a yearly flu shot is a good way to prevent viral influenza pneumonia. It can also protect against secondary bacterial pneumonia. In addition, get a vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia at least once after age 55. If you have any risk factors, every five years thereafter.

* Wash hands with antimicrobial soap or lotion. Your hands are in almost constant contact with germs that can cause pneumonia.

* Don’t smoke. Smoking damages your lungs’ natural defenses against respiratory infections.

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