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Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Most infections are due to bacteria or viruses, but some are caused by fungi. Pneumonia can be a mild illness or it can be something much more serious. Pneumonia can be life threatening, especially in babies, young children and people older than 60, so it’s important to see a doctor right away. If you or someone in your care is recovering well from a cold or flu but then it becomes worse, it may be pneumonia. If the affected person has trouble breathing, they should go to the nearest Emergency Department.
IMPORTANT: Some symptoms of pneumonia, such as dry cough and fever, are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19. Use the COVID-19 Symptom and Antiviral Eligibility Checker to find out if you need to seek medical help. If you have severe difficulty breathing, call triple zero (000) immediately and tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival about your recent travel history and any close contact with a person with confirmed or probable COVID-19. What are the symptoms of pneumonia?Quite often, people with pneumonia have previously had cold or flu symptoms for a few days or weeks that have got worse, not better. The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:
People with pneumonia may also:
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. What causes pneumonia?Pneumonia is caused by an infection of the lung. Most infections are caused by bacteria or viruses, although often a cause is never found. It can be triggered by a cold or the flu, which allows the germs to gain access to the lungs. In severe cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19), breathing difficulties can develop into pneumonia. COVID-19 pneumonia is a serious illness that can be life-threatening. Bacterial pneumonia may be caused by the pneumococcal bacteria, called Streptococcus pneumoniae. This is one of the most severe and potentially life-threatening types of pneumonia. Other types of bacteria that cause pneumonia are Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Viral pneumonia is caused by different viruses. The most common are the influenza virus, human adenovirus and the respiratory syncytial virus. It is thought about half of pneumonia cases are caused by a virus. Another common cause of pneumonia is infection by mycoplasma, a kind of bacterium. Pneumonia caused by mycoplasma organisms is usually milder, but recovery can be longer. Other organisms, such as fungi, can also cause pneumonia. This is more common in people whose immune systems are not working properly, such as those with HIV infection or people being treated for cancer. Some people are more likely to get pneumonia or develop a more severe illness, including:
If you suspect that you or someone in your care may have pneumonia, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If the affected person has trouble breathing, they should go to the nearest hospital emergency department. How is pneumonia diagnosed?Doctors diagnose pneumonia mainly by talking to the person who is unwell and examining them. Tests for pneumonia include blood samples, a swab from inside the nose or throat, urine or sputum (phlegm) to try to identify the cause of the pneumonia. A chest x-ray is usually also taken. If you are in hospital, doctors will also monitor to see if there is enough oxygen in your blood. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. How is pneumonia treated?Treatment will depend on whether the pneumonia is caused by bacteria or a virus. If bacteria have caused the infection, the main treatment is antibiotics. In milder cases, antibiotics can be taken by mouth. In more severe cases, they’ll need to injected, at least at first. Antibiotics are usually given at the first sign of pneumonia, before it’s clear whether the pneumonia is caused by a virus or bacteria. Viral pneumonia cannot be treated with antibiotics. Most people who have pneumonia will be able to stay home. If your symptoms haven’t improved within the first 5 days of taking antibiotics or your symptoms get worse, contact the doctor. Sometimes you may need a change in the dose or type of antibiotic, or you may need more than one medicine. Some people will need to be treated in hospital. This is more common for people who are very old, very young or who have other illnesses. A person in hospital for pneumonia may need oxygen therapy, or other more intense forms of treatment. Getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol for the fever are also important. Some people may also need physiotherapy to help clear their lungs. Cough medicine is not recommended for people with pneumonia. Coughing can help move mucous plugs from the tubes and help clear the infection. People with pneumonia should quit smoking and keep well away from things that will irritate their lungs, such as smoke. Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest to help you recover. ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. Can pneumonia be prevented?Vaccinations can help prevent some types of pneumonia. It’s a good idea to speak to your doctor about whether vaccination is recommended for you or for your children. One vaccination that reduces the risk of pneumonia is the pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal vaccines are free in Australia under the National Immunisation Program for some people (see below). Pneumococcal vaccineVaccination is your best protection against pneumonia. This table explains how the pneumococcal vaccine is given, who should get it, and whether it is on the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Some diseases can be prevented with different vaccines, so talk to your doctor about which one is appropriate for you.
Other vaccinationsYou can also consider getting vaccinated against influenza. Pneumonia is one of the possible complications of influenza. A new influenza vaccine is available every year. It is free to some people who are at increased risk, including children under 5 years, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions. For more information about the influenza vaccine, visit the Department of Health website. Vaccination can also prevent other illnesses that can lead to pneumonia. These are all available for children as part of routine childhood vaccinations in Australia under the National Immunisation Program Schedule and include: Not smoking will also help protect against pneumonia. Eating healthily and keeping your immune system strong are other ways to protect your health. If you or someone near you has an infection, you can reduce the risk of passing that infection on by:
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Pneumonia is a serious lung infection caused by a virus or bacteria. Read more on WA Health website
Pneumonia can affect anyone. Symptoms of pneumonia, like chest pain, cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing, can require hospitalisation. Read more on Lung Foundation Australia website
What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is inflammation or infection of one or both lungs caused by viruses or bacteria Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website
Find out the symptoms of pneumonia in children, as well as common causes and treatment. Read more on myDr website
Anyone can get pneumonia, but young children and the elderly are most susceptible. Read more on Better Health Channel website
Pneumonia is a lung infection. The symptoms of pneumonia in children include breathing changes, fever, a moist cough, increased irritability and tiredness. Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
Learn more about pneumonia, the causes, symptoms, possible tests and treatments. Read more on St Vincent's Hospital Lung Health website
Learn what you can do about respiratory tract infections (RTIs) - from colds, flu and sore throat to pneumonia. Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
Learn about respiratory infectious diseases such as Pneumonia, Influenza and the common cold and learn how to stay well in winter. Read more on Lung Foundation Australia website
A chest infection affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia). Read more on Better Health Channel website
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