Is Pneumonia Contagious?

It most certainly can be. Pneumonia (1) is a condition in which lung tissue becomes inflamed due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection and the alveoli (air sacs) fill with pus or fluid, making it difficult to breathe.

Sometimes, pneumonia is also caused by inhaling toxic fumes which damage the lungs.

The severity of pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening, and the latter is especially true for those over 65. How severe it depends on what caused the inflammation, plus your age and overall health.

The more frail you are, the harder it will be to combat the illness, plus your chances of getting it again, often after a cold or flu, are higher.

How Long Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Is pneumonia contagious in adults? Just like colds and the flu, pneumonia can be contagious by spreading droplets of infectious liquid into the environment, e.g., through coughing or tactile transmission. So, it’s a good idea to steer clear of people who have pneumonia; and if you’ve got pneumonia, then stay away from people and public places while you’re fighting it off.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when pneumonia becomes contagious, because it depends on what caused it, so it could be anywhere from two days to two weeks. That’s not all that helpful when trying to determine how long to avoid people, but your doctor will be better able to gauge the length of time you would be contagious.

Read more: http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/is-pneumonia-contagious