How fast pneumonia spread

It's usually caused by an infection, most commonly bacteria and viruses, which are both contagious. The germs that can cause pneumonia are usually breathed in. People often have small amounts of germs in their nose and throat that can be passed on through:.

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Find out more about who should have the pneumococcal vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is usually given as part of the routine NHS child vaccination schedule.

Normally, the small sacs in the lungs are filled with air. In someone who has pneumonia, the air sacs fill up with pus and other fluid. Viruses, like the flu or RSV respiratory syncytial virus , cause most cases of pneumonia. Kids with pneumonia caused by a virus usually have symptoms that happen over time and tend to be mild. Less often, bacteria can cause pneumonia. When that happens, kids usually will become sick more quickly, starting with a sudden high fever, cough, and sometimes fast breathing.

Types of bacterial pneumonia include pneumococcal pneumonia, mycoplasma pneumonia walking pneumonia , and pertussis whooping cough. 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. 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. Bacterial pneumonia can spread from person to person as well. How is it spread? Which types of pneumonia can be contagious? How to prevent the spread of pneumonia. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Medically reviewed by Adithya Cattamanchi, M.