Team VIVA! has been working closely with Lung Foundation Australia in the lead up to this year’s Pneumonia Awareness Week, running from Monday, May 6, to Sunday May 12, 2013.

Team VIVA! has been teaming with Lung Foundation Australia to urge the community to support their ‘Love Your Lungs’ campaign this Pneumonia Awareness Week,  to raise awareness and help reduce pneumonia infection rates this winter.

Pneumococcal Pneumonia – 3D animation from VIVA! Communications on Vimeo.

Launched today, Australian-first research reveals only one-in-eight adults at risk of contracting pneumonia recognise they are at high risk. This is concerning given pneumonia and influenza are among the top 10 contributing causes of deaths in Australia.

The survey also reveals more than two-thirds (70%) of ‘at-risk’ Australians are unable to differentiate between the flu and pneumonia.

Fortunately, there are ways to help reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia, including vaccination, yet only one-in-five Australians at-risk of pneumonia recognises that vaccination is the best way to help protect against pneumonia.

After speaking to several patients about their personal experience with pneumonia, it has become apparent to Team VIVA! that contracting pneumonia has a detrimental impact on a person’s health and everyday life. It’s important to spread the message about possible ways to help prevent the potentially life-threatening infection, especially in the lead up to winter.

To learn more about pneumonia head to Lung Foundation Australia.

Help spread the message on twitter by using the hashtag #loveyoulungs