For example, the influenza virus can survive on surfaces, making it even more contagious. Most pneumonia is caused by either bacterial or viral organisms.
These can spread in a number of ways, including:. Not everyone who is exposed to these bacteria or viruses will develop pneumonia. People who are at high risk of developing pneumonia include:. You should call the doctor if you think an illness may be pneumonia and you are in a high-risk category.
You should also contact a medical professional if:. Keep reading: 7 ways to flu-proof your home ». You may be contagious if you have a form of bacterial pneumonia , including:. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia. You should be no longer contagious a day or two after starting antibiotics and once your fever resolves, if you had one.
You can also be contagious if you have viral pneumonia. The same viruses that cause colds and flu can cause viral pneumonia. Other viruses that attack the respiratory system can be causes as well. Viral pneumonia is contagious until you are feeling better and have been free of fever for several days.
Fungal pneumonia typically occurs in people that have a weakened immune system or other serious health issues. The fungi that causes this type of pneumonia is usually found in soil. Aspiration pneumonia is not contagious because it is caused by inhaling food or liquid into your lungs. This can happen in people who have had a stroke or have other neurologic conditions. Here are some steps that can help reduce your exposure to bacteria or viruses that can cause pneumonia:.
Read more: When to stay home sick ». Updated December 2, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal vaccination. Updated April 7, American Lung Association. Pneumonia symptoms and diagnosis. Updated July 30, Community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization among U. N Engl J Med. Pneumonia treatment and recovery. Updated August 16, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.
At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Causes and Risk Factors of Pneumonia. Since fungal pneumonia comes from the environment around you, it is not deemed contagious.
Coughing and sneezing are the most common ways these germs spread. Groups at Risk While pneumonia can be acquired at any age, the following groups are most likely to experience severe cases: Children less than 2 years old Adults more than 65 years old People who are immunocompromised Those who suffer from heart and lung conditions, including asthma People who smoke People with diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions What are the symptoms of pneumonia? How is pneumonia treated? How long does pneumonia last? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.
Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Related Articles. When Pneumonia Is Most Deadly. Types of Pneumonia. What Is Mycoplasma Pneumonia? 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. Older people and those with a weakened immune system are also more likely to experience serious complications. Older people, people with serious illnesses, parents of newborns, and caregivers to sick people should make sure all visitors wash their hands. It is best that people with symptoms of a respiratory illness or fever do not visit a vulnerable person until their symptoms are gone.
Pneumonia killed more than 50, people in the United States in Despite this, around two-thirds of older adults do not get the recommended pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination to prevent pneumonia. Pneumonia can be prevented, particularly in people who do not have chronic lung diseases.
By avoiding sick people, staying home when ill, washing hands, and adopting basic health measures, such as getting vaccinated, it is possible to prevent this potentially fatal illness. Pneumonia during pregnancy can cause serious complications if left untreated. Learn to recognize the symptoms and help prevent maternal pneumonia. Pneumonitis is a condition where inhaling certain substances leads to an allergic reaction in the lungs. Triggers include mold and dust, handling….
Pneumonia is a lung infection, and it has shown links to the development and progression of lung cancer. In lung cancer, cells grow uncontrollably…. Learn how COPD and pneumonia are connected, how they are diagnosed, and what treatments are available. Also learn how to improve respiratory health. The way people experience pneumonia depends on their age and the type of pneumonia they have.
Learn more here and find out how it compares with flu…. Is pneumonia contagious? Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Risk factors Transmission Prevention Protection from pneumonia Outlook Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue that can make it difficult to breathe due to inflammation, fluid, and pus. Share on Pinterest Contagious viruses or bacteria cause most forms of pneumonia. Risk factors. Share on Pinterest Older people and very young children may have weaker immune systems, which means they may be more likely to get pneumonia.
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