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Pneumonia is a contagious infection with symptoms that range from mild (cold and flu-like) to severe. How serious your case of pneumonia is depends on the particular germ causing the pneumonia, your overall health and your age.
In a person with pneumonia, the airways (bronchi) swell and the air spaces (alveoli) fill with mucus and other fluids. Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of your lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. When there is an infection in the lungs, several things happen, including:
How do the lungs work?Your lungs’ main job is to get oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide. This happens during breathing. You breathe 12 to 20 times per minute when you are not sick. When you breathe in, air travels down the back of your throat and passes through your voice box and into your windpipe (trachea). Your trachea splits into two air passages (bronchial tubes). One bronchial tube leads to the left lung, the other to the right lung. For the lungs to perform their best, the airways need to be open as you breathe in and out. Swelling (inflammation) and mucus can make it harder to move air through the airways, making it harder to breathe. This leads to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and feeling more tired than normal. How common is pneumonia?Approximately 1 million adults in the United States are hospitalized each year for pneumonia and 50,000 die from the disease. It is the second most common reason for being admitted to the hospital -- childbirth is number one. Pneumonia is the most common reason children are admitted to the hospital in the United States. Seniors who are hospitalized for pneumonia face a higher risk of death compared to any of the top 10 other reasons for hospitalization. Is pneumonia contagious?Certain types of pneumonia are contagious (spread from person to person). Pneumonia caused by bacteria or viruses can be contagious when the disease-carrying organisms are breathed into your lungs. However, not everyone who is exposed to the germs that cause pneumonia will develop it. Pneumonia caused by fungi are not contagious. The fungi are in soil, which becomes airborne and inhaled, but it is not spread from person to person. How is pneumonia spread from person to person?Pneumonia is spread when droplets of fluid containing the pneumonia bacteria or virus are launched in the air when someone coughs or sneezes and then inhaled by others. You can also get pneumonia from touching an object previously touched by the person with pneumonia (transferring the germs) or touching a tissue used by the infected person and then touching your mouth or nose. How long do I remain contagious if I have pneumonia?If you have bacterial pneumonia, you are still considered contagious until about the second day after starting to take antibiotics and you no longer have a fever (if you had one). If you have viral pneumonia, you are still considered contagious until you feel better and have been free of fever for several days. Who is most at risk for getting pneumonia?People who have an increased risk of pneumonia include:
Pneumonia can be caused by a wide variety of bacteria, viruses or fungi. Pneumonia is most commonly classified by the type of germ that causes it and by the location where the person became infected. Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. This type of pneumonia occurs outside of a hospital or other healthcare facility. Causes include:
Hospital-acquired pneumonia develops during a stay in the hospital for another illness. This type of pneumonia can be more serious because the person is already sick and antibiotics typically used may be less effective. Bacteria adapt and change over time when exposed to antibiotics, making them less effective (called antimicrobial resistance). People in hospitals spread their drug-resistant bacteria to others, leading to more severe and difficult-to-treat cases of pneumonia. People who are on breathing machines (ventilators) are at increased risk for hospital-acquired pneumonia. Long-term care facility-acquired pneumonia occurs in long-term care facilities (such as nursing homes) or outpatient, extended-stay clinics. Like hospitalized patients, drug-resistant bacteria are found in this setting. Aspiration pneumonia is another type of pneumonia. Aspiration is when solid food, liquids, saliva or vomit go down the trachea (windpipe) and into the lungs instead of going down the esophagus and into the stomach. If you can’t cough up these substances, these particles remain in lung tissue and can become infected and pneumonia may develop. What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial versus viral pneumonia in adults?Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild (cold- or flu-like symptoms) sometimes called “walking pneumonia” to severe. How serious your case of pneumonia depends on the particular germ causing pneumonia, your overall health, and your age. Bacterial pneumonia: Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. Symptoms include:
Viral pneumonia: Symptoms usually develop over a period of several days. Early symptoms are similar to flu symptoms, which include:
Additional symptoms appearing about a day later include:
How can I tell if I have pneumonia versus the common cold or the flu?Do I have a cold or could it be the flu or even pneumonia? It’s tough to tell the difference but critical to know when to seek medical care Watch for these ongoing symptoms that occur in pneumonia:
Pneumonia symptoms last longer than cold and flu. If your symptoms aren’t severe, it’s okay to try such home remedies as getting more rest, drinking more fluids and taking some over-the-counter medicines and see what happens. But if you don’t see improvement in your symptoms after three to five days, or if you are experiencing more serious symptoms such as dizziness or severe difficulty breathing, see your healthcare provider. Don’t let it go. Pneumonia-like symptoms in very young children or in adults older than 65 are a cause for concern. Also, pneumonia can cause permanent lung damage if left untreated for too long. And always seek immediate care if you experience chest pain or have breathing difficulties. What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia in children?The signs and symptoms of pneumonia in children vary from child to child and also depend on your child’s age, cause of the infection, and severity of their illness. Usual symptoms include:
Babies and toddlers may show these symptoms:
Adolescents have the same symptoms as adults, including:
Newborns are at greater risk of pneumonia caused by bacteria present in the birth canal. In young children, viruses are the main cause of pneumonia. Pneumonia caused by bacteria tends to happen suddenly, starting with fever and fast breathing. Symptoms appear more slowly and tend to be less severe when pneumonia is caused by viruses. Are symptoms of pneumonia different in seniors?Older adults may have milder symptoms and may not have a fever. A sudden change in mental state is sometimes a sign of pneumonia in this age group. Is it possible to have pneumonia without having a fever?It’s not the norm but, yes, it’s possible to have pneumonia with a low fever or even no fever. If this occurs, it’s usually in the very young (newborns and infants) and in older adults or adults with a weakened immune system. What are the complications of pneumonia?Anyone can experience complications from pneumonia. However, people in high-risk groups are more likely to develop complications, including:
Your doctor will do a thorough exam. During your exam he or she will:
If you are a high-risk patient, your doctor may order other tests.
How pneumonia is treated depends on the germs that cause it.
Is pneumonia treated any differently in children?Essentially no. Just like adults, bacterial causes of pneumonia in children may be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are not used to treat pneumonia caused by viruses. Flu-related pneumonia may be treated with antiviral medicine if caught early in the course of illness. Most cases of pneumonia are treated with “comfort care” measures that ease symptoms. These may include:
How soon after treatment for pneumonia will I begin to feel better?How soon you will feel better depends on several factors, including:
If you are generally healthy, most symptoms of bacterial pneumonia usually begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment. Symptoms of viral pneumonia usually begin to improve within a few days after starting treatment. A cough can last for several weeks. Most people report being tired for about a month after contracting pneumonia. When would I need to be hospitalized for pneumonia?If your case of pneumonia is more severe, you may need to stay in the hospital for treatment. Hospital treatments may include:
People most likely to be hospitalized are those who are most frail and/or at increased risk, including:
It may take six to eight weeks to return to a normal level of functioning and well-being if you’ve been hospitalized with pneumonia.
Yes, there are two types of vaccines (shots) specifically approved to prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Similar to a flu shot, these vaccines won’t protect against all types of pneumonia, but if you do come down with pneumonia, it’s less likely to be as severe or potentially life-threatening – especially for people who are at increased risk for pneumonia.
If you have children, ask their doctor about other vaccines they should get. Several childhood vaccines help prevent infections caused by the bacteria and viruses that can lead to pneumonia. Receiving all recommended vaccinations is one of the best ways to prevent pneumonia. Additionally, there are several other ways to prevent pneumonia, including:
People who are otherwise healthy often recover quickly when given prompt and proper care. However, pneumonia is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if left untreated and especially for those individuals at increased risk for pneumonia. Even patients who have been successfully treated and have fully recovered may face long-term health issues. Children who have recovered from pneumonia have an increased risk of chronic lung diseases. Adults may experience:
If at any time you start to feel worse, call your doctor right away. When can I return to work, school and regular activities if I have pneumonia?You typically can resume your normal activities if your symptoms are gone, mild or improving and you do not have new or worsening:
If you are generally healthy, most people feel well enough to return to previous activities in about a week. However, it may take about a month to feel totally back to normal. When should I see a doctor?Call your doctor if you:
If you or your loved one with symptoms is in a high, “at-risk” group, see your doctor as soon as possible. Pneumonia can become a life-threatening condition. When should I go to the emergency room?Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you:
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/15/2020. References
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