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Health Line
15 hours ago
- General
- Health Line
Can You Catch Pneumonia?
While pneumonia, an infection in the lungs, itself isn't contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it often are. People with weakened immune systems may be at a greater risk from contagious causes of pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that occurs in your lungs. While you can't catch pneumonia, you may be able to catch what caused someone's pneumonia. Sometimes, pneumonia is caused by viruses or bacteria that can be transmitted from person to person. However, pneumonia may also be caused by conditions that are not contagious, such as inhaled food that becomes trapped in the lungs or environmental factors like fungus. Read on to learn more about the causes of pneumonia, when they may be contagious, and what you can do to prevent catching a virus or bacterial infection. Is pneumonia contagious? Yes, certain types of pneumonia are contagious. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or foreign bodies. Some of these causes may be transmitted from person to person, but not everyone who is exposed will develop pneumonia. Some types of pneumonia are caused by things that can't be transmitted to other people. Bacterial pneumonia can be transmitted from person to person. Forms of bacterial pneumonia include: walking pneumonia streptococcal pneumonia pneumonia caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) There are many viruses that can cause pneumonia, including the same viruses that cause the cold and flu. 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. Noncontagious pneumonia Fungal pneumonia and aspiration pneumonia are examples of pneumonia that aren't usually contagious. Fungal pneumonia is caused by inhaled fungi from the environment. It does not spread from person to person. The fungi that cause this type of pneumonia are usually found in soil. Aspiration pneumonia isn't contagious because it's caused by inhaling food or liquid into your lungs. This can happen in people who've had a stroke or have other neurologic conditions. How is pneumonia spread? Most cases of pneumonia are caused by either bacterial or viral organisms. These can spread in a number of ways, including: coughs or sneezes that aren't covered not wearing a mask when sick sharing cups or eating utensils touching a tissue or other item after someone with bacterial or viral pneumonia has used it, then touching your face. not washing your hands regularly, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing How can you prevent the spread of pneumonia? Here are some steps that can help reduce your exposure to the bacteria or viruses that can cause pneumonia. Tips for preventing pneumonia Wash your hands regularly, especially if you're caring for someone who has pneumonia. Get vaccinated. Avoid smoking, or get help to quit. Keep your body in good health with exercise and a nutritious, balanced diet. If you have any ongoing health conditions, take all medications as prescribed. When possible, try to limit contact with people who are sick. If you have pneumonia yourself, stay home until you're well and a doctor says your pneumonia is no longer contagious. What are the symptoms of pneumonia? Symptoms of pneumonia include: fever sweating chills a wet cough that produces colored or clear phlegm loss of appetite fatigue nausea and vomiting difficulty breathing Call a doctor if you think an illness may be pneumonia and you're in a high risk category. And contact a medical professional if you have: chest pain cough lasting more than 1 week difficulty breathing or shortness of breath a fever over 100.4˚F (38˚C) for more than 3 days, since most fevers go away in this time worsening symptoms What vaccines are available for pneumonia? Vaccines are an important and effective way to prevent both bacterial and viral infections in children and adults. Pneumonia is a common complication of many of these infections. Other helpful vaccines for children include: DTaP and Tdap, which both protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) flu Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) meningitis pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for Streptococcal pneumonia Other helpful vaccines for adults include: flu meningitis pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for Streptococcal pneumonia shingles Tdap varicella (chickenpox) Speak with your doctor about which vaccines are right for you and your family. Who is most at risk of getting pneumonia? 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 (immunocompromised), such as people who have HIV or AIDS or an autoimmune disease, or who are undergoing chemotherapy people with a chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease people with lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma people who smoke people who've been hospitalized Q&A: Can pneumonia be contagious to babies? Q: Can my baby catch our relative's pneumonia? Anonymous reader A: Pneumonia can be transmitted from an adult with pneumonia to a baby by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Babies are not immunized against pneumonia until age 2. Therefore, they are at greater risk. A few things adults can do to reduce this risk include: covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing washing hands frequently with soap and water limiting close contact not kissing baby's bare skin Chris Young, DNP, RN, NE-BC, NPD Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Takeaway While you can't catch pneumonia, depending on the type of pneumonia, you can catch what caused it. 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 and practicing proper hand hygiene, among other steps. If you do develop pneumonia, effective treatments are available. A doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia. In most cases, your pneumonia should no longer be contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotics, and once your fever resolves, if you had one.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Alberta Health Services issues measles warning in Hanna, Alta.
Health officials are issuing a public warning after someone sick with measles was exposed to the public in the town of Hanna. Alberta Health Services (AHS) said Tuesday that the individual entered the Hanna Health Care Centre at 4:34 p.m. on May 24 and was in contact with the public for more than eight hours, leaving the location at 12:52 a.m. on May 25. AHS says that anyone who was at the centre during that time may have been exposed to the contagious patient. 'Anyone who attended this location at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, may be at risk for developing measles. They should monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records,' AHS said in a statement. Officials said exposed individuals should monitor their health until at least June 15. Symptoms of measles include: a fever of 38.3 C or higher; cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and a rash, beginning behind the ears and on the face before spreading down the body, including to the arms and legs. Complications from the illness can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain and, in rare cases, death. Pregnant women and children under five years old, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems, are at the greatest risk. Confirmed measles case found in Hanna, Alta. AHS says an individual sick with measles exposed the public to the highly contagious virus for more than eight hours at the Hanna Health Care Centre between May 24 and 25, 2025. (Supplied/Google Maps) According to the Alberta government, there are 19 active cases of measles in Alberta as of Tuesday. There have been 618 total measles cases confirmed in the province this year.
Washington Post
24-05-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Virginia reports second 2025 case of measles
Virginia's second case of measles this year was reported on Friday by the state health department in a teenager who had recently traveled outside the United States and comes from the state's northwest region. Measles, a highly contagious disease, has been of particular concern throughout the U.S. this year. The first case in Virginia this year was reported last month in a young child, and, according to officials, it too appeared to be the result of international travel rather than the outbreak in Texas that has led to two children's deaths.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Traveler with measles was at Denver International Airport last week, Colorado health officials issue warning
An out-of-state flyer in Colorado who was contagious with measles traveled through Denver International Airport last week. That's according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. That traveler also stayed that the Quality Inn and Suites close to the airport. The hotel is located off Tower Road. That traveler was at the airport, on a shuttle and at the hotel on May 13th and 14. See a detailed breakdown of exactly where that person went and what time: Tuesday, May 13 Denver International Airport, 5 - 8 p.m. Arrived at Gate A-27 in concourse A at 5:10 p.m. Walked across the bridge to international customs. International baggage claim 3. Main terminal Quality Inn and Suites shuttle to hotel, 6 - 8 p.m. Rode shuttle at 6 p.m. Quality Inn and Suites Denver International Airport lobby and elevator: 6:15 - 8:15 p.m. 6890 Tower Rd. Denver, CO, 80249 Wednesday, May 14 Hotel lobby and elevator: Wednesday, May 14, 5 - 7 a.m. Quality Inn and Suites shuttle to the airport, 5 a.m. Denver International Airport, 5:30 - 10 a.m. Main terminal, train to gates, and concourse B. Flight departed from Gate B-86. "Measles is highly contagious, and we are working swiftly to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against this preventable disease," said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer. There have been several cases of measles reported in Colorado this year.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Fourth case of whooping cough reported at Rostraver Elementary School
A fourth case of whooping cough has been reported at Rostraver Elementary in the Belle Vernon Area School District. Belle Vernon Area Superintendent Dr. Timothy Glasspool notified the school community in a letter on Wednesday, saying that the district was notified of the confirmed case by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Three previous cases were reported in late April and early May and Dr. Glasspool says there's no known connection or link between the four students who have tested positive for the illness. The students who have tested positive are in first, second, and fifth grades, Dr. Glasspool said. Dr. Glasspool said that the Department of Health isn't recommending any changes to school operations, but the district is strongly encouraging families to keep students home from school and activities if they are showing signs of illness, especially if they are coughing." Last year, cases of whooping cough spiked on the state and national level, and Allegheny County's newly released data shows the county was hit hard. Whooping cough is characterized by violent or prolonged coughing, and is highly contagious.
