Symptoms and causes
Typical signs are cough with phlegm, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain when you breathe. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading bacterial cause, and pneumonia often follows the flu. Older adults with swallowing problems are prone to aspiration pneumonia. In seniors, the only clues may be weakness, poor appetite, or new confusion.
Treatment and prevention
Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics; low oxygen levels, age, or other illnesses may mean a hospital stay. The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults 50+ and those at risk, plus a yearly flu shot. Quitting smoking and good oral hygiene help too.
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
FAQ
- Is pneumonia contagious?
- The germs that cause it can spread through coughs, but not everyone exposed develops pneumonia.
- What is walking pneumonia?
- A milder pneumonia, often from Mycoplasma, where you feel sick but can still get around.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26
References
- World Health Organization. (2022). Pneumonia in children [Fact sheet]. WHO.
- Metlay, J. P., et al. (2019). Diagnosis and treatment of adults with community-acquired pneumonia: An official ATS/IDSA guideline. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 200(7), e45–e67.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal Vaccination. CDC.