Yes, certain types of pneumonia are contagious.
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Some of these germs are transmitted from person to person. However, not everyone will develop pneumonia when exposed to the same germs.
It’s also possible to have pneumonia that can’t be transmitted to other people.
What types of pneumonia are contagious?
Bacterial pneumoniacan be transmitted from person to person. Forms of bacterial pneumonia include:
- walking pneumonia
- Streptococcalpneumonia
- pneumonia caused byChlamydia pneumoniae
- pneumonia caused bymethicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA)
There are manyviruses that can cause pneumonia, including the same viruses that cause thecoldandflu. Viruses can pass from person to person easily. For example, the influenza virus can survive on surfaces, making it even more contagious.
Other viruses that attack the respiratory system can be contagious as well.
Most cases ofpneumoniaare caused by either bacterial or viral organisms. These can spread in a number of ways, including:
- coughs or sneezes that aren’t covered
- sharing cups or eating utensils
- touching a tissue or other item after someone with bacterial or viral pneumonia has used it
- notwashing your hands regularly, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
Here are some steps that can helpreduce your exposureto the bacteria or viruses that can cause pneumonia.
If you have pneumonia yourself, stay home until you’re well and a doctor says your pneumonia is no longer contagious.
Symptoms of pneumonia include:
- fever
- sweating
- chills
- awet coughthat producescolored or clear phlegm
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
Call a doctor if you think an illness may be pneumonia and you’re in a high-risk category.
Also contact a medical professional if you have:
- chest pain
- an ongoing cough lasting more than 1 week
- difficulty breathingorshortness of breath
- a fever over 100.4˚F (38˚C) formore than 3 days, since most fevers go away in this time
- worsening symptoms
Vaccinesare an important and effective way to prevent bothbacterial and viral infectionsin children and adults. Pneumonia is a common complication of many of these infections.
Helpful vaccines for childreninclude:
- DTaP and Tdap, which both protect againstdiphtheria,tetanus, andpertussis (whooping cough)
- flu
- Haemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib)
- measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- meningitis
- pneumococcal conjugate vaccineforStreptococcalpneumonia
Helpful vaccines for adultsinclude:
- flu
- meningitis
- pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine forStreptococcalpneumonia
- shingles
- Tdap
- varicella (chickenpox)
Speak with your doctor about which vaccines are right for you and your family.
Not everyone who’s exposed to these bacteria or viruses will develop pneumonia. People who are at high risk of developing pneumonia include:
- children under 2 years old
- adults over 65 years old
- pregnant people
- anyone with a weakened immune system, such as people who haveHIV or AIDSor anautoimmune disease, or who are undergoingchemotherapy
- 慢性疾病的人,如diabetesorheart disease
- people withlung disease, such aschronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)orasthma
- people who smoke
- people who’ve been hospitalized
Bacterial and viral pneumonia are the most common types of pneumonia. They’re both contagious.
However, you can reduce your risk of developing these pneumonias by getting vaccinated andpracticing proper hand hygiene, among other steps.
If you do develop pneumonia, effective treatments are available.
A doctor will prescribeantibioticsto treat bacterial pneumonia. Your pneumonia should no longer be contagious24 hours after starting antibioticsand once your fever resolves,if you had one.
Viral pneumonia is contagious until you’re feeling better and have been free of fever for several days. Although antiviral medications are available, viral pneumonia may get better on its own or after a few weeks ofat-home care.