Get a fl u vaccine. A fl u virus is a common cause ofpneumonia, so a yearly fl u vaccine may help you staywell.• Don’t smoke and avoid other people’s smoke. Smoke bothers your lungs and makes it harder for them to fi ght offinfections.• Keep asthma under control. If you have asthma, followyour treatment plan. You may need extra medicine toopen up your airways.• Get a pneumonia vaccine. Your healthcare provider maysuggest this vaccine if you’re 65 or older, have a chronicdisease (such as lung, heart, or kidney disease; sicklecell anemia; or diabetes), or are getting over a severeillness. You shouldn’t get the vaccine if you’re sick orpregnant.• Stay active. Even a little exercise may help your lungsfi ght off infections in the future. ■