What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria (most common: Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (influenza, RSV, COVID-19), or fungi. Community-acquired pneumonia is caught outside healthcare settings, while hospital-acquired pneumonia develops 48+ hours after hospital admission and tends to be more serious due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

How do I know if I have pneumonia vs. a cold or flu?

Pneumonia symptoms are more severe and persistent than a cold. Key differences: high fever with shaking chills, sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing, shortness of breath even at rest, cough producing thick mucus (green, yellow, or bloody), and extreme fatigue. If symptoms worsen after initial improvement, see a doctor immediately.

Is pneumonia contagious?

Yes, most types of bacterial and viral pneumonia are contagious through respiratory droplets. However, not everyone exposed will develop pneumonia—it depends on the specific pathogen and the person's immune system. Walking pneumonia (caused by Mycoplasma) is less severe but highly contagious.

Who should get the pneumonia vaccine?

CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccines for: all adults 65+, children under 5, people 6-64 with certain chronic conditions (diabetes, heart/lung disease, weakened immune systems), and smokers. There are two types: PCV (Prevnar) and PPSV23 (Pneumovax). Many adults need both vaccines for complete protection.

How is pneumonia treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial pneumonia requires antibiotics, viral pneumonia may need antiviral medications, and fungal pneumonia requires antifungal medications. Mild cases can be treated at home with rest, fluids, and fever reducers. Severe cases require hospitalization with IV antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or breathing support.

When is pneumonia a medical emergency?

Seek emergency care for: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, bluish lips or fingernails, confusion or altered mental state, high fever (over 102°F) not responding to medication, coughing up blood, rapid heartbeat, or symptoms in high-risk individuals (infants, elderly, immunocompromised).

Nebraska

Pneumonia in Nebraska

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. It can range from mild to life-threatening and is most serious for infants, young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.

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Qu'est-ce que Pneumonia?

Pneumonia kills more children worldwide than any other infectious disease. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. While anyone can get pneumonia, it's particularly dangerous for certain groups. Vaccines can prevent some of the most common and dangerous types of pneumonia, making prevention key.

Symptômes

High fever, sweating, and shaking chills
Cough producing phlegm (green, yellow, or bloody)
Sharp or stabbing chest pain (worse with breathing or coughing)
Shortness of breath and rapid breathing
Extreme fatigue and low energy
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Confusion or changes in mental awareness (especially in elderly)
Lower than normal body temperature (in elderly or immunocompromised)

Transmission

Pneumonia-causing germs spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, touching contaminated surfaces, or aspiration (inhaling food, drink, or saliva into the lungs). Can develop after viral infections like flu or COVID-19.

Période de Contagiosité : Varies by cause; bacterial pneumonia is contagious while antibiotics haven't taken effect (24-48 hours after starting treatment); viral pneumonia can be contagious for several days to weeks

Prévention

Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13/PCV15/PCV20 and PPSV23)
Annual flu vaccine (prevents flu-related pneumonia)
COVID-19 vaccination
Hand hygiene (wash frequently with soap and water)
Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
Practice good health habits (adequate sleep, healthy diet, exercise)
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Manage chronic conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart disease)

Nebraska Ressources Santé

Informations du département de santé local et directives de prévention spécifiques à l'état

Nous Surveillons Nebraska

Notre surveillance alimentée par IA surveille en continu l'activité de Pneumonia dans tout Nebraska. Nous suivons les données des services de santé des états, des hôpitaux locaux, des rapports du CDC et de plus de 50 sources de santé mondiales pour fournir une alerte précoce sur les menaces émergentes.

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Nebraska Département de Santé

Pour les alertes officielles de santé de l'état, les lieux de vaccination et les directives de santé publique spécifiques à Nebraska, visitez le site web du département de santé de votre état.

→ Nebraska Département de Santé → CDC Pneumonia Information → CDC Health Topics

Understanding Pneumonia: Key Questions

Que vous viviez dans Nebraska or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.

Quand Consulter un Médecin

Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.

Symptômes d'urgence : Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.

Ressources Expertes et Références

Informations fiables provenant des principales organisations de santé

CDC

Directives officielles des Centers for Disease Control and Prevention des États-Unis

Voir les Ressources du CDC →

WHO

Surveillance mondiale des maladies et directives de l'Organisation Mondiale de la Santé

Voir les Ressources de l'OMS →

Recherche

Dernières recherches évaluées par les pairs et études cliniques

Voir la Recherche →

Contenu Révisé Médicalement

Les informations sur les maladies sur Virus Watcher sont révisées par notre Épidémiologiste en Chef, ancien analyste principal du CDC pour les prévisions FluSight. Les données épidémiques sont agrégées à partir de sources vérifiées notamment BEACON, ProMED, OMS, CDC et plus de 50 agences nationales de santé. Ces informations sont à des fins éducatives et ne doivent pas remplacer les conseils médicaux professionnels.

Dernière révision : 2026-08-13

Questions Fréquemment Posées

Questions fréquentes sur Pneumonia répondues par notre équipe d'épidémiologie

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