Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis primary prevention

The primary prevention of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or usual interstitial pneumonia includes smoking cessation and vaccination against influenza.

• There are several ways to prevent pulmonary fibrosis or usual interstitial pneumonia. Appropriately treating underlying illnesses (such as AIDS) can decrease an individual’s risk of pneumonia.
• Smoking cessation is important not only because it helps to limit lung damage, but also because cigarette smoke interferes with many of the body’s natural defenses against pneumonia.
• There are several ways to prevent pneumonia in newborn infants. Testing pregnant women for Group B Streptococcus and chlamydia trachomatis, and then giving antibiotic treatment if needed, reduces pneumonia in infants. Suctioning the mouth and throat of infants with meconium-stained amniotic fluid decreases the rate of aspiration pneumonia.
• Vaccination is important for preventing pneumonia in both children and adults. Vaccinations against haemophilus influenzae and streptococcus pneumoniae in the first year of life have greatly reduced their role in pneumonia in children.
• Vaccinating children against streptococcus pneumoniae has also led to a decreased incidence of these infections in adults because many adults acquire infections from children. A vaccine against streptococcus pneumoniae is also available for adults.^[1].
• Influenza vaccines should be given yearly to the same individuals who receive vaccination against streptococcus pneumoniae. In addition, health care workers, nursing home residents, and pregnant women should receive the vaccine.^[2]
• When an influenza outbreak is occurring, medications such as amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir, and oseltamivir can help prevent influenza.^[3],[4]

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