Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. It ____40____ primarily by inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs or by alveoli that are filled with fluid (alveoli are microscopic sacs in the lungs that absorb oxygen). At times a very serious condition, pneumonia can make a person very sick or even cause 'death. Although the disease can occur in young and ____41____ people, it is most dangerous for older adults, babies, and people with other diseases or impaired immune systems.

    In the United States, more than 3 million people developed pneumonia each year, and about 17% of these receive treatment in a hospital. Most people with pneumonia recover, but about 5% will ____42____ to the condition.

    Pneumonia treatments depend in the type of pneumonia and the severity of symptoms. Bacterial pneumonias are usually treated with antibiotics, whereas viral pneumonias are treated with rest and plenty of fluids. Fungal pneumonias are usually treated with antifungal medications. Over-the-counter medications are also commonly prescribed to better manage to pneumonias symptoms. These included the ____43____ for reducing fever, reducing aches and pains, and suppressing coughs. In addition, it is important to get plenty of rest and sleep and drink lots of fluids.

    There are several ways to prevent pneumonia. There are two vaccines that are available to prevent pneumococcal disease (the bacterial infection that is the most common cause of pneumonia): pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (pneumovax). Prevnar is generally administrated as part of the normal infant immunization procedure and is and is recommended for children less than 2 years of the or between and four years with certain medical conditions. Pneumovax is provided for adults who are at increased risk of developing pneumococcal without spleen. The pneumonia vaccine may not completely prevent older adults from getting pneumonia, but it can reduce the severity of a future pneumonia.

The italic word in the fourth paragraph mean ____