A survey conducted by the Ministry of Health of Sao Paulo, based on reporting conducted by public health units, points out that, from January to June this year, 35 people died on average per day (or one every 41 minutes) in the state due to complications from pneumonia. The balance sheet also shows that the total number of hospitalizations reported by the disease, about 20% were children under one year.

In the first half of this year, 61,830 hospitalizations were reported due to complications of the disease in the state, of which 6360 died. In the same period of 2011, the total number of hospitalizations was 69,766, with 6,841 deaths. In comparison, the number of hospitalizations fell by 11.4% in the period.

Of all hospitalizations reported this year, 11,853 were children under one year. Regarding the deaths, the age group with the largest number of notification was elderly, with 4971 deaths.

Children under two years are an age group particularly susceptible to pneumonia because their immune system is still developing. Therefore, some preventive measures, such as healthy eating, regular visits to the doctor, and vaccination are essential to prevent disease, says Fábio Pereira Muchão, pulmonologist EBF (Ambulatory Medical Specialties) "Dr. Luiz Roberto Barradas Barata" unit of the Secretariat in the Heliopolis area, south of the capital.

Pneumonias are pulmonary infections that can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, the first two being the most common causes. Typically, viruses that cause pneumonia are contagious and transmitted by direct contact, saliva droplets or aerosols, explains Muchão.

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