How to Build Your Immune System to Beat Pneumonia

Pneumonia is any infection of the lungs caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. You can develop pneumonia after being exposed to someone else who has this infection, or it can develop as a secondary infection from colds, flus, and other upper respiratory infections. There are several steps you can take at home to build your immune system to beat pneumonia.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Vitamin C-rich foods or supplements

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Instructions

How to Build Your Immune System to Beat Pneumonia

• 1

  Stay hydrated. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day helps to thin mucus that accumulates in the respiratory tract so that your body can excrete it through coughing. When you are fighting pneumonia, drinking adequate levels of water will help your immune system beat it quicker.

• 2

  Get lots of vitamin C. According to the Food and Drug Administration, vitamin C can boost the immune system. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and juices, dark green leafy vegetables, and many berries (for a complete list see Resource 3). You may also buy vitamin C supplements over the counter at most drug stores. Be sure to read the information on the medication label for dosing instructions.

• 3

  Get 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night. During sleep, your body repairs and boosts the immune system.

• 4

  Wash your hands often. You should wash your hands for at least 30 seconds with warm water and soap, being sure to get underneath your fingernails. Doing this prevents your immune system from having to fight off other invaders while it is already trying to beat pneumonia.

• 5

  Avoid alcohol. Alcohol suppresses the body's natural reflex to cough when there are foreign substances in the respiratory tract, and weakens your immune system. If your cough reflex is not working properly, your body will not effectively cough out the germs in your lungs that are causing your pneumonia.