As a health care consumer, it is in your best interest to take an active role in the treatment decision process. This can be accomplished by asking questions and making sure you are given useful and understandable information. If you do not understand what your doctor or nurse is saying, ask questions so that you do understand. It may also be important to bring someone with you to help ask questions, especially if you are treated in a busy emergency room, outpatient department, clinic, or doctor's office.
Following are some areas to discuss with your health care professional if you are being tested for pneumonia or a similar health condition.
Am I being given the right antibiotic at the right time?There is evidence that certain antibiotics work best for different stages and types of pneumonia. What antibiotic you are given depends on a number of factors, including your overall health. Guidelines recommend that, if you are hospitalized for pneumonia, antibiotics be given as soon as possible after hospital arrival -- typically within eight hours. Ask what antibiotic you will be receiving and when it will be given.
If you are hospitalized for pneumonia and have not received a blood test, ask whether one should be taken.Experts recommend that blood tests be taken before antibiotics are given.
Have you received your pneumococcal (pneumonia) and influenza (flu) vaccines? If you have not received these shots you may be more at risk for pneumonia, and your doctor should know about it.