The influenza virus or the flu is a common cause of viral pneumonia. The virus spreads easily from person to person, causing a range of symptoms and conditions. In most cases, infections are contagious for a few days before symptoms appear and for a few days after.
The exact length of time a person is contagious depends on the type of microorganism causing the infection. Some forms of pneumonia, such as pneumonia caused by mycoplasma, remain contagious for several weeks. If a person has pneumonia, they should speak to a doctor about how long the infection will be contagious.
People with bacterial pneumonia will usually be prescribed antibiotics that stop the infection from progressing. Pneumonia will usually stop being contagious a day or two after treatment begins. A person is also considered contagious during a fever , so it is best to stay home from work or school until the fever is gone.
People who have been vaccinated against infections that can cause pneumonia, such as pneumococcal bacteria, are usually immune to those specific germs. Getting the vaccination can help prevent this type of infection from developing. Although anyone can get pneumonia, some people are at greater risk. Pneumonia occurs when an infection develops within the lungs.
It can cause complications with breathing and spread to other parts of the body such as the bloodstream. People at risk of pneumonia need to be especially cautious around people who have recently had pneumonia or another respiratory infection. Pneumonia is transmitted when germs from the body of someone with pneumonia spread to another person. This can happen in a variety of ways, including:. Food particles and irritants from the intestinal tract can also cause pneumonia.
This is called aspiration pneumonia and can occur when a person accidentally inhales these substances. Fungal pneumonia typically develops when people inhale microscopic particles of fungus from the environment. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop this type of pneumonia. A number of strategies can prevent the spread of pneumonia. The single most effective way to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria is with frequent hand-washing, especially during the colder months.
People should wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after touching someone else, before visiting people vulnerable to pneumonia, and upon returning home after going out in public. Most people recover from pneumonia without any lasting effects. In vulnerable people, pneumonia can be fatal.
Worldwide, pneumonia accounts for 16 percent of deaths in children under 5. A long, thin needle is put through the skin between the ribs and into the pleural space. Fluid is pulled into a syringe attached to the needle. Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia you have. Most of the time, pneumonia is treated at home, but severe cases may be treated in the hospital.
Antibiotics are used for bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotics may also speed recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia and some special cases. They usually get better on their own. Other treatment may include eating well, increasing fluid intake, getting rest, oxygen therapy, pain medicine, fever control, and maybe cough-relief medicine if cough is severe. Check with your healthcare provider about getting immunizations. The flu is a common cause of pneumonia. Because of that, getting a flu shot every year can help prevent both the flu and pneumonia.
There is also a pneumococcal vaccine. It will protect you from a common form of bacterial pneumonia. Children younger than age 5 and adults ages 65 and older should get this shot.
The pneumococcal shot is also recommended for all children and adults who are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease due to other health conditions. Most people with pneumonia respond well to treatment, but pneumonia can be very serious and even deadly.
You are more likely to have complications if you are an older adult, a very young child, have a weakened immune system, or have a serious medical problem like diabetes or cirrhosis. Complications may include:. Acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS. This is a severe form of respiratory failure. Lung abscesses. These are pockets of pus that form inside or around the lung.
They may need to be drained with surgery. Respiratory failure. This requires the use of a breathing machine or ventilator. This is when the infection gets into the blood. It may lead to organ failure. The main types of pneumonia are bacterial, viral, and mycoplasma pneumonia. A cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus is the most common symptom of pneumonia. Other symptoms include fever, shaking chills, shortness of breath, low energy, and extreme tiredness. Pneumonia can often be diagnosed with a thorough history and physical exam.
The CDC recommends it for:. Pneumonia can often be a complication of the flu, so be sure to also get an annual flu shot. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated, particularly those who may be at risk of flu complications. This vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b Hib , a type of bacterium that can cause pneumonia and meningitis. Together with vaccination and additional prevention steps, you can help reduce your risk of getting pneumonia. Here are even more prevention tips.
A variety of infectious agents cause pneumonia. With proper recognition and treatment, many cases of pneumonia can be cleared without complications. For bacterial infections, stopping your antibiotics early can cause the infection to not clear completely. This means your pneumonia could come back. Stopping antibiotics early can also contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic-resistant infections are more difficult to treat. Viral pneumonia often resolves in 1 to 3 weeks with at-home treatment. In some cases, you may need antivirals. Pneumonia that occurs during pregnancy is called maternal pneumonia. Pregnant people are more at risk of developing conditions like pneumonia. This is due to the natural suppression of the immune system that happens during pregnancy. However, you may notice some of them more later on in your pregnancy due to other discomforts you may be encountering.
Maternal pneumonia can lead to a variety of complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight. Pneumonia can be a rather common childhood condition.
The causes of childhood pneumonia can vary by age. For example, pneumonia due to respiratory viruses, Streptococcus pneumoniae , and Haemophilus influenzae is more common in children under 5 years old. Pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae is frequently observed in children between the ages of 5 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the causes of walking pneumonia. Pneumonia can become dangerous quickly, particularly in young children. Most people respond to treatment and recover from pneumonia.
Like your treatment, your recovery time will depend on the type of pneumonia you have, how severe it is, and your general health. A younger person may feel back to normal in a week after treatment. Others may take longer to recover and may have lingering fatigue.
If your symptoms are severe, your recovery may take several weeks. Consider taking these steps to aid in your recovery and help prevent complications from occurring:.
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This leads to symptoms such as trouble breathing, a cough with or without mucus, fever, and chills. To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will do a physical exam and discuss your medical history. They may recommend further testing, such as a chest X-ray.
Treatment depends on the cause of the infection. It may involve antibiotics, antiviral medication, or antifungal medication. Pneumonia often clears up in a few weeks. See a doctor right away if your symptoms get worse, as you may need to be hospitalized to prevent or treat more serious complications. What makes bronchopneumonia different from pneumonia? Learn the symptoms of this condition and the best way to treat it. COPD describes several lung conditions that block airways, making it harder to breathe.
People with COPD are more likely to develop complications from…. Pneumonia is a serious complication of COPD. Find out how pneumonia differs from other lung infections, and how this condition is treated. Pneumonia can develop following an upper respiratory infection. Here are tips to help you prevent this condition.
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