How contagious is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria. The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus lead the list of pathogens. These are very widespread pathogens that we encounter every day.

Nevertheless, we do not constantly fall ill with pneumonia. How can this be? All of the above-mentioned pathogens are contagious and therefore potentially dangerous for the body.

However, our body usually has a well-functioning immune system that successfully fights these bacteria as soon as they enter the body. Only very old or very young people (i.e. small children or babies) have an increased risk of infection. After all, their immune system is not yet – or no longer – so well developed.

For a healthy person between 10 and 60 years of age, pneumonia should therefore not be contagious as a rule. However, a certain distance and basic hygienic measures are still necessary to give the pathogens no chance. A stay in the same room, or fleeting physical contact should be possible without any problems. Relatives can also take precautions during this time with vitamin preparations and cold teas. Short-term shock ventilation is also recommended to reduce the bacterial load in the air and to lower the risk of infection.

Complications

Severe pneumonia can lead to septic shock (sepsis = blood poisoning) and respiratory arrest (respiratory insufficiency), making intensive care necessary. Abscesses (accumulations of pus) can form in the area of the lungs and empyema (pus) in the area of the lung membrane. An abscess is an accumulation of pus in non-preformed cavities, e.g. within the lung.

An empyema, on the other hand, is an accumulation of pus in already existing cavities, e.g. in the cleft lung. A possible pleural effusion (fluid in the gap between the lung skin), i.e. water between the lung skin, which is often referred to as “water in the lungs“, can also occur as a result of pneumonia. As a result of bed rest, which is usually appropriate in cases of pneumonia, there is a risk of thrombosis.

In hospital, however, this is counteracted by thrombosis injections (e.g. Clexane®, Fraxiparin®, etc.). Pneumonia is often associated with a pleural empyema. At this point it is also recommended to deal with the topic “pleural empyema”: Pleural empyema – What is behind it? Often a pneumonia is associated with a pleural empyema. At this point it is also recommended to deal with the topic “Pleural Empyema”: Pleural empyema – What is behind it?