Key Points

• Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of your lungs. Many small germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
• The infection causes your lungs’ air sacs, called alveoli, to become inflamed. The air sacs may fill up with fluid or pus, causing symptoms such as a cough (with phlegm), fever, chills, and trouble breathing.
• Pneumonia and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Many factors affect how serious pneumonia is, including the type of germ causing the infection and your age and overall health.
• Pneumonia tends to be more serious for infants and young children, older adults (people 65 years or older), people who have other chronic health problems, and people who have weak immune systems as a result of diseases or other factors.
• Your doctor will diagnose pneumonia based on your medical history and the results from a physical exam and tests.
• Treatment for pneumonia depends on its cause, how severe your symptoms are, and your age and overall health. The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and prevent complications. People who have more severe symptoms or underlying health problems may need treatment in the hospital.
• Pneumonia can be very serious and even life threatening. When possible, take steps to prevent the infection. Vaccines are available to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and the flu. Other steps also can help prevent pneumonia:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rubs to kill germs.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking damages your lungs’ ability to filter out and defend against germs.
  • Keep your immune system strong. Get plenty of rest and physical activity and follow a healthy diet.
• If you have pneumonia, limit contact with family and friends. Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, and dispose of tissues right away. Follow the treatment plan your doctor gives you and get plenty of rest.
• It may take time to recover from pneumonia. Some people feel better and are able to return to their normal routines within a week. For other people, it can take a month or more. Talk to your doctor about when you can go back to your normal routine.