#8 – Influenza & Pneumonia
Influenza or flu and pneumonia are respiratory infections that were responsible for 53,667 deaths in the US in 2011. While flu is caused by a virus, pneumonia leads to lung inflammation, and may be caused due to viral or bacterial infection.
The most effective way of preventing influenza is to get the flu shot every year. There is a vaccination available for pneumonia as well. However, smoking, alcohol abuse and intravenous drug use may also put you at an increased risk for pneumonia. So, make sure to give up these habits.