In most cases of pneumonia the disease is readily recognized. There
is often a preceding cold, but the onset of the pneumonia is usually
abrupt, with sharp pain in the side, fever, a cough, a sense of
chilliness or evident chills, and the expectoration of sputum streaked,
or tinged, with blood.
[Illustration: _Immediate medical and nursing care are vital in
pneumonia._]
If you should ever have any of these early signs of pneumonia, get
promptly into bed and stay there. Have your doctor called without a
moment’s delay. You will improve your chance of a quick recovery if
you give him the opportunity to determine the cause of your infection
before it is many hours old. Remember: the longer the disease exists
before treatment is begun, the more difficult it may prove to cure.