कोशिश गोल्ड - मुक्त
Calls for Malaysia to boost protection against pneumonia as fatalities rise
The Straits Times
|November 26, 2024
Experts raise need for vaccination push to fight nation's leading cause of death in 2023
-
Pneumonia surpassed heart disease to become Malaysia's leading cause of death in 2023, prompting urgent calls for enhanced respiratory health measures and vaccination efforts.
According to the Statistics Department, the number of pneumonia-related deaths has gradually increased from 9,250 in 2014 to 18,181 in 2023.
Pneumonia became the principal cause of death for the first time in two decades, during which time heart disease was the No. 1 killer, except in 2021 when Covid-19 was the leading cause of death.
Pneumonia is contracted through bacterial, viral or fungal infections. If left untreated, it can lead to a serious lung infection that can be fatal.
Bacterial and viral pneumonia are contagious and usually spread through coughing, sneezing or even breathing, while pneumonia caused by fungi is not contagious.
It can affect anyone at any age, although those above 65 and children with compromised immune systems are more susceptible.
Symptoms of pneumonia include productive cough, also known as a chesty cough; high fever; loss of appetite; a confused mental state; low energy; extreme tiredness; and rapid breathing or wheezing.
Those showing symptoms such as persistent coughing for more than three weeks or coughing up blood; pale, blue or blotchy skin, lips or tongue; and difficulty in breathing, plus suddenly feeling confused or delirious should seek urgent medical attention.
Patients suffering from bacterial pneumonia are treated with antibiotics, while most viral infections do not have specific treatments.
Hospitalisation is required if the condition is serious.
Several pneumococcal vaccines are currently available to help prevent or protect against pneumonia. They are recommended for babies, those above 65 years old and those at high risk of pneumococcal infection.
The flu vaccine is also recommended during pregnancy and for those above 65 with a high risk of pneumococcal infections.
यह कहानी The Straits Times के November 26, 2024 संस्करण से ली गई है।
हजारों चुनिंदा प्रीमियम कहानियों और 10,000 से अधिक पत्रिकाओं और समाचार पत्रों तक पहुंचने के लिए मैगज़्टर गोल्ड की सदस्यता लें।
क्या आप पहले से ही ग्राहक हैं? साइन इन करें
The Straits Times से और कहानियाँ
The Straits Times
Issuance may be worth $14b, adding stress to market struggling with credibility issues
Indonesia is bracing itself for a record amount of share sales to meet tougher free-float rules aimed at heading off a potential downgrade to frontier market status by MSCI.
1 mins
February 23, 2026
The Straits Times
Singapore-listed data centre REITs largely trading flat
This is despite robust revenue growth in 2025 and positive sector outlook for 2026
5 mins
February 23, 2026
The Straits Times
Tom Felton puts up Draco Malfoy poster in nod to CNY wordplay
English actor Tom Felton is a good sport after his Harry Potter character Draco Malfoy became an unexpected symbol of good fortune this Chinese New Year.
2 mins
February 23, 2026
The Straits Times
Trump's trade gamble will continue, despite Supreme Court rebuke
Economic data shows that his tariffs have not meaningfully changed US trade deficit
5 mins
February 23, 2026
The Straits Times
'Truly terrible and traumatising,' says passenger of fire on cruise ship
A passenger on board a ship where a fire broke out early on Feb 20, killing a crew member, has described the incident as “a truly terrible and traumatising experience”.
2 mins
February 23, 2026
The Straits Times
The Food Challenge
DELICIOUS. AFFORDABLE. CONVENIENT. BUT HEALTHY?
1 min
February 23, 2026
The Straits Times
City showing their mettle in 'best part of the season'
Pep Guardiola labelled Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Feb 21 as a “massive” moment in the English Premier League title race.
2 mins
February 23, 2026
The Straits Times
Will DAP stay or quit Malaysia's Cabinet? Either way, damage is done for Anwar's biggest ally
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) will decide its future in the Anwar Ibrahim administration at its national congress in July amid growing restlessness from supporters over unfulfilled pledges, government scandals and perceived encroachment into the way of life of Malaysia's non-Muslim minority.
4 mins
February 23, 2026
The Straits Times
ECSTASY FOR GU THEN HEARTBREAK
She retains halfpipe title for record 6th freestyle ski medal, then finds out her granny died
3 mins
February 23, 2026
The Straits Times
Pull&Bear closes last S'pore store at VivoCity
Spanish fashion retailer Pull&Bear shuttered its final Singapore outlet at VivoCity on Feb 22, marking the end of the brand’s presence in the city-state.
1 min
February 23, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
