Good hygiene can help stop the spread of the viruses and bacteria that cause chest infection.
If you are at higher risk of chest infection, your GP may recommend certain vaccinations.
Hygiene
To reduce the risk of spreading the viruses and bacteria that cause chest infection:
- cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly
- throw away used tissues immediately
Learn more in how to prevent germs spreading.
Vaccinations
If you are at higher risk of chest infection, your GP may recommend that you have vaccinations for influenza (flu) and pneumococcal infections (a bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and infection of the blood).
The vaccination should help prevent you getting chest infections in the future. Vaccinations are usually recommended for:
- people over 65 years of age
- people with either chronic respiratory, heart, renal or liver conditions
- people with diabetes
- people with sickle-cell anaemia (an inherited blood disorder)
- people with conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV
- children under five years of age
Learn more in flu and the flu vaccine.
Quitting smoking
If you are a smoker, the best thing you can do to prevent developing a chest infection is to stop. Smoking damages your lungs and weakens their defences against infection.
The NHS can help you to stop. Learn more in get help to stop smoking now.
Alcohol
Excessive and prolonged alcohol misuse is known to weaken your lung’s natural defences against infections (their immune response), making you more vulnerable to pneumonia
One study found that 45% of people who were admitted to hospital for pneumonia had an alcohol misuse problem. Alcohol misuse is defined as regularly drinking over the recommended weekly limits (21 units of alcohol for men and 14 units of alcohol for women).
Alcohol also increases your risk of pneumonia being more serious. It is estimated that people who misuse alcohol are three to seven times more likely to die from pneumonia than the general population.
If you drink alcohol, do not exceed the recommended daily limits (three to four units a day for men and two to three units a day for women).
Contact your GP if you are finding it difficult to moderate your drinking. Counselling services and medication are available to help you reduce your alcohol intake. Learn more in alcohol misuse.
Diet
Eating a healthy diet is known to strengthen the immune system, making you less vulnerable to developing chest infections. A low-fat, high-fibre diet is recommended, including whole grains and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day).
Go to Live Well for more information and advice about healthy eating.
