Pneumonia

Posted on November 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. It is more serious for infants and young children, people older than 65 years old, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia can vary depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, age, and overall health. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

Chest pain when breathing or coughing

Confusion or changes in mental awareness; this occurs in adults 65 or older

A phlegm-producing cough

Fatigue

Fever, sweating, and shaking chills

Lower than normal body temperature; this occurs in adults older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Shortness of breath

Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. The body usually prevents these germs from infecting the lungs, but these germs can sometimes overpower the immune system, even if a person is generally healthy.

Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where the infection was contracted.

Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. It occurs outside of hospitals or other healthcare facilities. It may be caused by:

Bacteria

Bacteria-like organisms

Fungi

Viruses, such as COVID-19

Some people can get pneumonia during a hospital stay for another illness. Hospital-acquired pneumonia can be serious because the bacteria causing it may be more resistant to antibiotics and because the people who get it are already sick. People who are on breathing machines, often used in intensive care units, are at a higher risk of this type of pneumonia.

Healthcare-acquired pneumonia is a bacterial infection that occurs in people who live in long-term care facilities or who receive care in outpatient clinics, including kidney dialysis centers. Like hospital-acquired pneumonia, healthcare-acquired pneumonia can be caused by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics.

Aspiration pneumonia occurs when a person inhales food, a drink, vomit, or saliva into their lungs. Aspiration is more likely if something disturbs the normal gag reflex, such as a brain injury or swallowing problem, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.

There are many steps you can take to prevent pneumonia, including:

Getting vaccinated

Making sure children are vaccinated

Practicing good hygiene

Quitting smoking

Keeping your immune system strong

To diagnose pneumonia, a doctor will start by asking about your medical history and performing a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that may suggest pneumonia.

If pneumonia is suspected, a doctor may recommend the following tests:

Blood tests

Chest X-ray

Pulse oximetry

Sputum test

A doctor might order additional tests for a person 65 years or older, is in the hospital, or has serious symptoms or health conditions. These tests may include a CT scan and/or a pleural fluid culture.

Treatment for pneumonia involves curing the infection and preventing complications. People who have contracted community-acquired pneumonia usually can be treated at home with medication. Although most symptoms ease in a few days or weeks, the tiredness feeling can persist for a month or more. Specific treatments depend on the type and severity of pneumonia, age, and overall health. These treatments include:

Antibiotics

Cough medicine

Fever reducers/pain relievers

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, you can receive treatment from a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Staying Safe from the Quad-emic of the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the Norovirus

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Winter is usually a prime season for flu and RSV cases to rise. However, in recent years, COVID-19 and norovirus infections have been added to the list of winter illnesses creating a “quad-emic”. A quad-emic means these four viral illnesses are spreading simultaneously.

It is important to know when you, a loved one, or a child are showing signs and symptoms of any of the four illnesses to seek immediate care. These contagious viruses can cause health complications and hospitalization, especially for those in high-risk populations if they are left untreated. High-risk people include:

Children
Elderly people
Pregnant women
Those with preexisting health conditions such as asthma and heart conditions

Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). Flu cases typically rise in the winter. A flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection, but it is still possible to get the flu if stronger strains form or if you are considered high-risk.

COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is highly contagious and symptoms vary from person to person. Even if you are vaccinated or have immunity from a past infection, you may still be at risk as new variants form.

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and the flu and are very dangerous for infants, young children, and older adults.

Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu causes vomiting and diarrhea and is extremely contagious.

Symptoms of the quad-emic illnesses include:

Fever
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Runny nose
Body aches
Sore throat
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
Fatigue

Treatment will vary by severity of the symptoms and by diagnosis. Some cases can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, but others may need prescription medication. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best treatment plan. If you are considered high-risk, they will monitor your symptoms to ensure they aren’t getting worse.

Ways to help to reduce the risk of infection include:

Practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands
Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Staying isolated if you are feeling sick to avoid spreading it to others
Getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19

If you are experiencing any of these quad-emic illness symptoms, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

The Importance of Staying Up To Date With COVID Vaccines

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged six months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines effectively protect you from severe illness; however, their efficiency decreases over time. This is why it is important to stay up to date with vaccinations.

Currently, three vaccines are available for use in the United States. They include the:

2024–2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those six months and older
2024–2025 Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine; recommended for those 12 years and older

Everyone eligible for a vaccine should receive one, but it is especially important for the following people to get vaccinated:

Those who never received the COVID vaccine
Those at risk for severe COVID-19
Those 65 years and older
Those living in long-term care facilities
Those who are trying to get pregnant or might want to become pregnant in the future, are pregnant or are breastfeeding
Those who want to lower their risk of developing Long COVID

The CDC states that COVID vaccines are generally safe. They are effective in helping our bodies build immunity against the virus. Sometimes, in the process of building immunity, we may experience side effects or symptoms such as fever or body aches, which are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Although the COVID vaccines are safe, it is highly advised that people who have a severe allergic reaction after vaccination or are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine should not get vaccinated.

For more information on the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine, please visit the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. To schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor or receive vaccination, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5486.

COVID-19 FLiRT Variants

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

There has been a recent surge in COVID-19 infections, and data shows that FLiRT variants have been linked to a significant number of cases.

FLiRT is a term used to describe a family of mutated COVID-19 variants, which include KP.1.1, KP.2, KP.3, JN.1.7, and other variants starting with KP or JN. The name is based on the technical names for locations of the virus’ mutations.

There is still much to learn about FLiRT variants, but here are some important facts we can share:

It is the most dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States at this time
Symptoms are consistent with those of other variants and include body aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, chills and shortness of breath
People can protect themselves by wearing a mask, testing for COVID-19 if they have been exposed, and getting the latest vaccines (It is important to note that while vaccines may not prevent infections, they can lessen the severity of illness.)
Antivirals such as Paxlovid work effectively against FLiRT variants

Additionally, we can stop the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home or away from others when we are sick.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and are at risk of developing serious illnesses due to an underlying health condition, speak to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

COVID-19 Boosters: Everything You Should Know to Stay Up-To-Date

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants of the virus have emerged, causing surges in infections and hospitalizations over time. Staying up to date with your vaccinations is essential for protecting yourself against this evolving health threat. However, recommendations may be different for some people based on factors such as age or other health concerns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine regardless of whether you received the original doses; the newest version of the vaccine is expected to be available during fall 2023. Additional recommendations include:

Children between six months and four years old who receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should get three doses, including at least one dose of the latest vaccine
Children aged five years or older who receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should get at least one dose of the updated vaccine
Children between six months and five years old receiving the Moderna vaccine should get two doses, including at least one dose of the latest vaccine
People who are unable or choose not to get a recommended mRNA vaccine should get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine doses approved for their age group
People who got the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine should get one dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine

If you are aged 65 or older, you are also eligible to receive an additional dose of the updated vaccine at least four months after your first dose. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may receive an additional dose of the vaccine at least two months after their first dose.

You can receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

What is Myocarditis?

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Approximately 10 to 20 out of every 100,000 people around the world are affected by myocarditis each year. Myocarditis is a condition that causes inflammation in the heart muscle, enlarging it and weakening its ability to pump blood. It is most often caused by an infection from a virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, as well as some medical treatments and inflammatory conditions.

Myocarditis can cause a range of different symptoms, and not everyone may experience the same ones. They may include:

Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Abdominal pain
Leg or foot swelling
Fainting

Certain serious complications are associated with myocarditis, including arrhythmia, heart failure, lung problems, and even death. However, in most cases, this condition is mild and will go away on its own.

Some people are at greater risk of developing myocarditis than others. People of all ages and any gender can get it, but it is most common in young adults assigned male at birth. A genetic tendency to react poorly to inflammation can also increase your risk, as well as excessive alcohol consumption.

Certain medical conditions may also make you more vulnerable to myocarditis, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, chest injuries, skin injuries or infections, and eating disorders. Additionally, medical treatments such as dialysis, radiation, a central venous line, and certain heart condition or cancer treatments may also increase your risk.

If you experience severe myocarditis, treatment may involve medication, surgery, or both. Corticosteroids, heart medications, or treatments for underlying conditions that may be causing your myocarditis could help. If these do not provide adequate relief, you may require procedures such as:

IV medications
Ventricular assist device (VAD)
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Heart transplant

If you experience chronic or severe myocarditis, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. If cardiac arrest or acute heart failure occurs, dial 911 immediately.

How Long Can You Test Positive for COVID-19?

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

You can test positive for COVID-19 up to 90 days after your first positive result. However, if you recovered from the virus but were re-infected during this 90-day window, you may continue to test positive for a longer period of time.

The reliability of your COVID-19 test results depends, in part, on the type of test you choose. Antigen tests, also known as “rapid” tests that can be taken at home or administered at designated testing sites, cannot rule out an infection with a single negative result; under certain circumstances, they can also cause a false positive result to occur.

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) generally provide more accurate results than antigen tests. This type of test is performed at a laboratory or designated testing site. It can detect viral genetic material up to 90 days after your initial infection, even if you’ve already recovered from the virus, making it difficult to determine whether you’ve been re-infected during this 90-day period.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, it is not recommended that you receive additional NAATs. Instead, use multiple antigen tests spread 48 hours apart; antigen tests should only continue to test positive a few weeks after your initial result.

If you are experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19 infection such as headaches, joint pain, or neurological problems, Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Post-COVID Care Center may be able to help. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 736-8204.

Tips on How to Avoid Purchasing a Fake At-Home COVID Test Kit

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Michael Hinck

There was a time when many of us would stand in line for hours to get a COVID test, but due to the increased availability of at-home kits, more and more are opting to perform the test themselves. While home tests are very convenient, consumers must be careful that the tests they are purchasing are real.

Experts warn that inadvertently buying fake tests are not only are a waste of money, but they can also increase the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus and not receiving appropriate treatment.

Flushing Hospital offers the following information on how to avoid buying a fake test.

When purchasing a COVID-19 home test on-line, it is best to check the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website: https://www.fda.gov/ The FDA maintains a running list of every SARS-CoV-2 antigen diagnostic test approved under its emergency use authorization (EUA) process. The list includes several types of test kits and features product brand names for easy reference. Websites selling false tests may falsely claim that that their tests are FDA approved so it’s important to check for authenticity.

When buying an over-the counter COVID test kit in person, it’s important that you purchase it from a reliable source, such as your local pharmacy or supermarket. It is strongly advised that you do not buy a test kit from a street vendor as they may be selling kits from oversees that are not FDA-approved or they may be selling old or fake kits in boxes that appear to be legitimate. Experts warn if the seller cannot produce a business license, then you should not buy a kit from them. Additional tips include avoid packaging in foreign languages and kits not sold in boxes.

Flushing Hospital warns when purchasing a test kit, avoid being tempted by lower prices and don’t rush to buy a suspect kit out of fear of limited availability. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to get a test kit that will offer you accurate results.

Flushing Hospital Provides Information About The COVID Pill

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Michael Hinck

In the continued fight against COVID-19, there has been some promising news about the development of a COVID pill. However, there are many questions surrounding this form of treatment.

Recently, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Merck announced that their anti-viral pills could minimize the effects of the virus for those who contract it. These medications are similar to other anti-viral medications currently used to combat the flu and other viruses. Pfizer claims its pill can decrease the likelihood of death or hospitalization by 89% if taken within three days of symptoms starting. Merck states its capsule can reduce similar risks by 50%.

Neither of the anti-viral medications are currently available as Merck and Pfizer have either already applied to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use or are in the process of doing so and both are waiting for approval as there is still a lot we need to learn.

While this news is encouraging, it is important to understand that if or when these pills become available, they should not be considered a cure. Unlike antibiotics, which work to kill bacterial infections, anti-viral medications usually work to lessen the symptoms of the virus. These pills would also need to be taken during the early stages of the viral infection to be effective. They should only be considered as important additions to other hospital-based treatments.

One concern of many health professionals is that those individuals who are averse to the vaccine will use the existence of the anti-viral medications as an excuse not to get vaccinated, believing that they can get treated by the medications should they contract COVID-19. This philosophy can be misguided as vaccines remain the best protection against the virus.

Another fear among doctors is that people taking the anti-viral pills will not follow appropriate medication adherence. For instance, Merck’s anti-viral pill is required to be taken as a batch of four pills, twice a day, for five days. This medication will be ineffective if it is not taken as directed.

These anti-viral medications have the potential to decrease complications and hospitalizations and make COVID-19 a much more manageable disease, but more time is needed to test their safety and efficacy. Until then, it is recommended that anyone who is eligible receive the COVID vaccine.

COVID-19 Booster Shot Facts

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Xavia Malcolm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less able to protect against the Delta variant.”

It is for this reason that the CDC recommends a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals who are at the highest risk of contracting COVID or developing complications from severe disease.

Receiving the booster shot can provide additional protection from the virus by helping people maintain their level of immunity longer.

At this time, the CDC is recommending that the following individuals receive a third shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine:

People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks
People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

If you have questions about your eligibility for a booster vaccine please contact your doctor or visit www.cdc.gov.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.