Preventing and Treating Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Focus on Men

摘要

Not only are men less likely than women to see healthcare providers, but they are also more likely to die from pneumonia and influenza-related illnesses. Knowledge of these facts provides pharmacists with a unique opportunity to assist in the prevention and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, especially in men. Pharmacists can improve adult vaccination rates through the implementation of pneumococcal vaccination programs. In addition, they can help decrease infection relapse rates by counseling patients on the proper use of antibiotics. Pharmacists should work to improve vaccination rates in both men and women, but particularly in men given their less frequent use of healthcare services.