Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Types of Pneumonia: Contagious or Not?
Some causes of pneumonia are contagious while others are not.
Some may only develop a minor illness such as the common cold.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
One of the most common strains known for causing bacterial pneumonia is calledStreptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus.
These bacteria can affect anywhere from a small portion of one lung to widespread areas in both lungs.
Walking Pneumonia
Walking pneumoniais a pop in of bacterial pneumonia.
It mostly comes from the bacteria namedMycoplasma pneumonia, but there are other causes.
Being in close quarters is one reason its so easy for school children to catch walking pneumonia.
The incubation period is generally between one to four weeks.
Someone with walking pneumonia can be contagious for a couple of weeks, even after starting treatment.
Yet others will get sick reasonably quickly.
Some people are exposed and never get sick.
These recommendations are similar to the techniques you might use toavoid getting the flu.
When youre healthy and washing your hands, you reduce the chance of introducing dangerous germs to your body.
Limit Contact With Others
If you are ill orrecovering from pneumonia, limit your contact with others.
If you’re healthy, avoid being near people infected with pneumonia.
Get Vaccinated
Four pneumonia vaccines are currently available in the United States.
The time it takes to recover from pneumonia varies from person to person.
Some people recover quickly and can return to their regular routine after one to two weeks.
Others may have symptoms that linger for a month or longer.
Some people are more likely to experiencecomplicationsfrom pneumonia, such as respiratory failure or sepsis.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for pneumonia.
American Lung Association.Pneumonia symptoms and diagnosis.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Western Maryland.Is pneumonia contagious?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mycoplasma pneumoniaeinfections.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Valley fever.
Merck Manual.Aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations.
American Lung Association.Pneumonia treatment and recovery.
