February 12, 2026

Pneumonia Part 2

Pneumonia Part 2

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

In our first blog on pneumonia, we covered the basics of pneumonia. In this blog we will be reviewing risk factors for pneumonia, details about the vaccine and what you can do to help boost your immunity. Let us get into it, shall we?

One of the biggest risk factors for pneumonia is age. While anyone can get pneumonia, those who are under 2 years old or over 65 years old are at an increased risk. Being in the hospital, especially using a breathing machine, can also increase your risk. Having compromised immunity for any reason as well as certain chronic conditions such as asthma also can increase your risk. Smoking can also reduce your body’s ability to fight off pneumonia.

Pneumonia is typically divided into types depending on what kind of pathogen is causing the infection and where you acquired the infection. Classifications based on pathogen type include bacteria, bacteria like organisms, fungal, and viral. Classifications based on where you acquired it include community acquired; this form means that you acquired the illness outside of a hospital or other health care facility. Then there is both hospital and health care acquired pneumonia. To break these down further it refers to the hospital setting and separate from that a health care facility such as a nursing home. Lastly, there is aspiration pneumonia, this is where food, liquid, or even saliva gets into your lungs. (1)

The next item that is confusing when it comes to pneumonia is the vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is used to help prevent infection by pneumococcal bacteria. It is important to talk to our doctor if you are in a high-risk group. It is also important to note that the pneumococcal vaccine is not typically recommended for those who are aged 2 and under. There are also certain medications that may interact with the pneumococcal vaccine. Additionally, there are several chronic conditions that may lead to more severe side effects with the vaccine. That being said, which groups or individuals are recommended to receive the vaccine? Well to start anyone in a high-risk group. That includes adults 65 Y/0 and older. Any adults and kids 2-64 Y/O that have any chronic disease or illness that can increase the risk of pneumonia such as asthma and diabetes. Anyone that is 2-64 Y/O that is living in special environments such as Alaska or a nursing home. Lastly, anyone 2-64 Y/O with any decreased disease fighting ability. (2) This is an important topic to talk to your doctor about. Like every vaccine there are pros/cons. Please do not do your research on social media and ignore your doctor. Your doctor knows your health history. Social media may have exciting content, but influencers do not know you or your overall health risk. And to be frank they have no consequences if you get sick based on their advice. Is that social media star going to take care of you if you get sick? Are they going to cook and clean and pay your bills?? Nope! So, as they say, take social media with a grain of salt!

Now in this blog I will be talking about both Glutathione and NAC. Now I am your thinking, but aren’t they the same thing?? In the chart below I have outlined the differences. (3)

Glutathione

NAC

Neutralizing free radicals: Glutathione helps protect cells by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Supporting liver detoxification: The liver relies on glutathione.
Boosting immune health: Glutathione supports immune cells and helps regulate inflammation.
Promoting skin health: By reducing oxidative stress glutathione may help brighten the skin.
Aiding cellular repair and regeneration: Glutathione plays a key role in repairing damaged cells.

· By breaking down and thinning mucus, NAC can make it easier for the lungs to clear.

· Boosting brain health and mood: Research suggests NAC can benefit brain health and mood.

· Replenishing antioxidant levels: NAC can help support detoxification and promotes clear breathing, making it a versatile supplement for whole-body health.

What nutrients do I recommend to help boost your immunity and overall health?

Aged Garlic has been found to have amazing anti-microbial benefits including bacteria! (4) In addition to helping by killing off pathogens aged garlic can be beneficial at this time of year by boosting our overall immune system so our body can fight off the bad guys. (5) Please see Invite’s Aged Garlic.
NAC may have a strange smell, it is a powerhouse when it comes to our health. NAC has been found to help break down mucus! (6) NAC has also been found to help improve our immune health and help it to better fight off the bad guys. (7) Please see Invite’s NAC!
Glutathione has been found to be helpful in reducing the risk of some of the complications of pneumonia. For example, studies have found it may help reduce the risk of cytokine storm. (3) Please see Invite’s Glutathione lozenges and Gluta Hx.
Olive Leaf is one of my favorite nutrients to recommend! Olive Leaf Extract has been found in studies to be antiviral. (8) Please see Invite’s Olive Leaf Extract.
Another personal favorite for this time of year is Black Seed! In my clinical experience, Black Seed Extract is extremely helpful for improving our breathing. I have found black seed to be helpful for those with asthma. As we know, asthma places an individual at an increased risk of lung disease. (9) Please see Invite’s Black Seed with Rosemary and Cordyceps
Mushroom complexes have been found to be antiviral. (10) Please see Invite’s Mushroom Hx.
Multivitamin studies have found that a multivitamin with Vitamin C and Zinc can be helpful in boosting immunity especially in seniors. (11) Please see Invite’s extensive line of multivitamins!