An infection that develops in the lungs is called pneumonia. Some organisms are more likely to cause pneumonia than others. One common example is pneumococcal disease , a bacterial infection that can cause ear infections, sinus infections, infections of the brain and blood, and pneumonia. Another type of bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause other forms of pneumonia.
Mycoplasma bacteria are also contagious. 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. Learn about the symptoms of viral pneumonia and how to treat this contagious condition.
Double pneumonia is a lung infection that affects both of your lungs. Learn more about the symptoms and prognosis for double pneumonia. Pneumonia is a serious complication of COPD. Find out how pneumonia differs from other lung infections, and how this condition is treated.
How is bacterial pneumonia different from viral? What's the best way to treat pneumonia and prevent it from reoccurring? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. General symptoms include chest pain, fever, cough, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia is often more severe in older adults. Prompt medical care is recommended. Learn about common symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention. Wondering if you can you have pneumonia without having a fever? Yes, under rare circumstances you can.
Here's what you need to know about pneumonia…. Klebsiella pneumoniae are normally harmless bacteria that live in your intestines and feces, but they can be dangerous in other parts of your body…. The actress and talk show host revealed she nearly died from pneumonia.
However, there are two different vaccines your doctor may…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Can Pneumonia Be Contagious? Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Doctors will do an exam to look for pneumonia. They'll listen to the lungs and might order a chest X-ray. People who have viral pneumonia do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses. Doctors treat bacterial pneumonia with an antibiotic taken by mouth. Usually, this can be done at home. The antibiotic they use depends on the type of bacteria thought to have caused the pneumonia.
Hospital treatment can include IV given into a vein antibiotics and fluids and breathing treatments. More serious cases might be treated in the intensive care unit ICU.
Kids with pneumonia need to get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids while the body works to fight the infection.
If your child has bacterial pneumonia and the doctor prescribed antibiotics, give the medicine on schedule for as long as directed. Keeping up with the medicine doses will help your child recover faster and help prevent the infection from spreading to others in the family.
If your child is wheezing, the doctor might recommend using breathing treatments. Ask the doctor before you use a medicine to treat your child's cough.
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