Is Pneumonia Contagious?

This story discusses more on this subject in greater detail.

Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites happen to be the common culprits for causing this condition we know as pneumonia; a medical condition marked by the inflammation of the lungs.

People older than 65, are suffering from any chronic illness or have a compromised immune system, are more susceptible to this ailment. This condition can be mild in some cases, and life-threatening in some.

Pneumonia is usually a complication or a progressed stage of another condition such as a flu. And the virus that causes common cold or flu can also cause this disease.

The condition is not contagious in itself, but the pathogens which have caused it, are. As mentioned, the viruses which cause common cold and flu may also cause pneumonia, and these virus sure are contagious.

For instance, if you have pneumonia, you may pass the causal virus to someone else causing him/her to develop cold and flu, but not pneumonia itself. Now, whether this affected person may develop pneumonia or not, depends on his/her lungs and overall health.

If the person is someone with a compromised immune system then, as mentioned above, it is most likely that he/she would develop pneumonia eventually.

Pneumonia can exist in many forms such as viral, bacterial, fungal and mycoplasma. So according to each of these types and severity, required treatment procedures are undertaken. For the bacterial form, common medications include antibiotics. In case of viral pneumonia, the use of antibiotics come of no use.

Some cases may be treated with antiviral medications, but for most, doctors recommend rest and administration of plenty of fluids. Antifungal medications come into play when the cause of the condition is a fungus, and for mycoplasma pneumonia, patients are put on antibiotics.

Apart from following the doctor's recommendation, and completing the entire course of medications, there are a few self-care measures which you can practice at home, to make yourself comfortable and reduce the symptoms.

• Ensure that you take plenty of rest, even when you start feeling better. But, take care not to overdo it.

• Take a break from your work or school until you are sure that the pneumonia has left you for good.

To conclude, drinking plenty of water, including other kinds of liquid foods is one of the most vital requirements of managing the condition of pneumonia. Adequate amount of fluids will help the body remain hydrated, get rid of toxins, and aid in loosening the mucus in lungs.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.