What kind of pneumonia is not contagious

This makes a person more vulnerable to other types of infections. An infection that develops in the lungs is called pneumonia. Some organisms are more likely to cause pneumonia than others. One common example is pneumococcal disease , a bacterial infection that can cause ear infections, sinus infections, infections of the brain and blood, and pneumonia.

Another type of bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause other forms of pneumonia. Mycoplasma bacteria are also contagious. The influenza virus or the flu is a common cause of viral pneumonia. The virus spreads easily from person to person, causing a range of symptoms and conditions. In most cases, infections are contagious for a few days before symptoms appear and for a few days after.

The exact length of time a person is contagious depends on the type of microorganism causing the infection. Some forms of pneumonia, such as pneumonia caused by mycoplasma, remain contagious for several weeks. If a person has pneumonia, they should speak to a doctor about how long the infection will be contagious. People with bacterial pneumonia will usually be prescribed antibiotics that stop the infection from progressing. Pneumonia will usually stop being contagious a day or two after treatment begins.

A person is also considered contagious during a fever , so it is best to stay home from work or school until the fever is gone. People who have been vaccinated against infections that can cause pneumonia, such as pneumococcal bacteria, are usually immune to those specific germs. Getting the vaccination can help prevent this type of infection from developing. Although anyone can get pneumonia, some people are at greater risk. Pneumonia occurs when an infection develops within the lungs.

It can cause complications with breathing and spread to other parts of the body such as the bloodstream. However, bacterial infection is the most common cause among adults in the United States.

At UPMC Western Maryland, we recommend that any person who has had a cough and a fever after experiencing flu-like symptoms schedule an appointment with their primary care provider as soon as possible or visit a UPMC Western Maryland urgent care center. This is especially important if the cough produces sputum that appears brown, green, or yellow in color. Anyone who experiences shortness of breath, high fever, confusion, or pain after a diagnosis of pneumonia should go to the UPMC Western Maryland Emergency Department immediately for treatment.

Those with a depressed immune system or chronic conditions like HIV or diabetes should also seek immediate care. Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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Show Your Support. Is Pneumonia Contagious? This can happen in people who have had a stroke or have other neurologic conditions. Here are some steps that can help reduce your exposure to bacteria or viruses that can cause pneumonia:. Read more: When to stay home sick ».

Vaccines are an important and effective way to prevent both viral and bacterial infections in children and adults. Pneumonia is a common complication with many of these infections. Do you have viral or bacterial pneumonia?

Learn about the symptoms of viral pneumonia and how to treat this contagious condition. Double pneumonia is a lung infection that affects both of your lungs. Learn more about the symptoms and prognosis for double pneumonia. Pneumonia is a serious complication of COPD. Find out how pneumonia differs from other lung infections, and how this condition is treated. How is bacterial pneumonia different from viral?

What's the best way to treat pneumonia and prevent it from reoccurring? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. General symptoms include chest pain, fever, cough, and trouble breathing. While anyone can catch pneumonia, some people are more likely to come down with illness when coming into contact with the germs. Like many other illnesses, pneumonia is caught through contact with the bacteria or virus that creates pneumonia.

While pneumonia can be acquired at any age, the following groups are most likely to experience severe cases:. When it comes to pneumonia, there are a few things you can do to decrease the likelihood of spreading the infection, along with preventing yourself from getting pneumonia in the first place. These recommendations are similar to the techniques for avoiding the flu. Pneumonia can be infectious anywhere from 24 hours up to two weeks after starting antibiotics.

For many people, their cough will continue beyond these two weeks. While the preferred method for covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze is into a tissue, not everyone can get to tissues in time when the urge to cough or sneeze hits. Coughing or sneezing into your elbow will decrease the chances of your leaving traces of your infection on door handles, faucets, or anything else you touch.

One of the best things you can do when recovering from pneumonia is to limit your contact with others. Currently, two pneumonia vaccines are available in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends children younger than 2 years, adults older than 65 years, and anyone of any age who struggles with certain chronic health conditions or has an autoimmune disorder receive one of these vaccines.

The vaccines include:. There are two essential things to remember when it comes to pneumonia:. While pneumonia is often easily treatable with at-home care, in certain situations, a delay in seeking professional help may result in a worse condition or possibly even death.

Pneumonia symptoms vary by age group but tend to include fever, cough, restlessness, fatigue, aches, shortness of breath, vomiting, bluish tint on lips or skin, chest pain, and headaches. Most cases of pneumonia can be treated at home with rest, fluids, prescription medication, gargling salt water, running a humidifier, and stopping smoking. Prescription medications include antibiotics, nebulizers, antivirals, and antifungals depending on the type of penumonia.

For more severe cases, treatment at a hospital might be necessary, especially for elderly individuals or those with underlying conditions or severe symptoms. Many people recover from pneumonia within one week but others need additional time. Some people can take a month to recover and others are mostly recovered but have lingering fatigue after other symptoms have subsided. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Yale Medicine. Valley Fever. Updated December 2, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal vaccination.