The upper and lower airways have defense mechanisms that try to prevent the development of an infection. Tobacco consumption, chronic pulmonary diseases, alcoholism, diabetes, malnutrition, chronic renal or hepatic problems, alterations in the level of consciousness and immunity deficiencies produce alterations in the defense mechanisms. A viral or influenza process can damage the hair cells facilitating the development of a pneumonia. There are several measures that help to prevent pneumonia:

- Fight against the pathogens that cause it, mainly with the pneumococcal vaccine. It is recommended for people over 65 years of age or over 2 years of age with chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, alcoholism, absence of spleen or other immunodeficiencies, renal insufficiency and transplant recipients.

- To suppress the situations that favor it, mainly by means of influenza vaccination. It is advisable to vaccinate persons over 65 years of age or persons with chronic bronchial or pulmonary diseases, renal, cardiac and chronic hepatic diseases.

- Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and control chronic diseases.

Early initiation of antibiotics, always indicated by a physician, in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis with signs of respiratory infection, can prevent pneumonia. This does not justify their indiscriminate use in the majority of upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses, which neither need nor improve with them. In addition, the generalized use of antibiotics employment can cause the appearance of resistant bacteria and limit their usefulness.