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Pneumonia is a common respiratory infection, affecting approximately 450 million people a year and occurring in all parts of the world. It is a major cause of death among all age groups, resulting in 1.4 million deaths in 2010 and 3.0 million deaths in 2016.
There are various causes of pneumonia including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia can be acquired from different sources such as in hospitals, the community, or through use of ventilators.
Pneumonia is a type of lower respiratory tract infection, and is also the most deadly communicable disease as of 2016. Rates are greatest in children less than five and adults older than 75 years of age. It occurs about five times more frequently in the developing world versus the developed world. South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest prevalence of pneumonia in the world.
We can prevent and treat pneumonia through vaccines, proper treatments, and healthy practices.