(HealthDay News) -- Pneumonia is a bacterial or viral respiratory infection that's characterized by lung inflammation. It can be life-threatening, especially to the young, the elderly and to people with chronic health problems.

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests how to help prevent pneumonia:

• Wash your hands often, especially after you use the toilet, change a diaper, prepare or eat food, or blow your nose.
• Don't smoke.
• Get vaccinated for pneumonia and flu.
• Children also should get an Hib vaccine.
• In some children younger than 24 months, the drug palivizumab may be prescribed to help avoid pneumonia as a complication from another respiratory condition.