Is pneumonia infectious?

[cece]

Does anyone know?

We have all been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with it today. I am now worried incase we catch it, especially the kids..

[flack]

I think the bacteria or virus that causes pneumonia can be infectious, yes. But it may only turn into a bad cold in you, or your systems may brush it off. I don't think it's very infections, actually, I've known too many households where one person had it and no one else did.

Does the person who was diagnosed know what the cause is? If it's something like HIb your children are presumably immunised.

[cece]

I have checked the NHS direct site and it isn't too clear as to how you catch it...

[cece]

I am not sure - think he may have the bacterail types as he is having some sort of tablet to treat it. But think he is pretty bad as the doc wanted to put him in hospital. The trouble is it is my fil and the kids kissed him good night last night. He came over ill about lunchtime today...

[flack]

DH's mum had pneumonia (ended up being hospitalised) when DH was 18 months, and DH didn't get it. Presumably an 18-m old would be kissing his mum lots? My friend's DH had pneumonia but no one else in the family (but I know that was HIb and the kids were innoculated, which is why I ask).

I hope this doesn't sound mean, I just think you shouldn't be worried coz you can't change what's going to happen. Just be vigilant if anyone in the house develops a persistant cough.

[ghosty]

My brother was hospitalised with pneumonia and his wife and children didn't get it. In fact his wife was away and he was looking after the children on his own. My sister stepped in to help and she didn't get it either.

Isn't pneumonia a 'side effect' of something else? You get a cold, it gets worse, it goes to your chest, you get pneumonia possibly?

[ghosty]

Just checked it up ...
Usually a complication of a bacterial infection.

[texasrose]

Hi, just to add that I had the nastiest pneumonia last year and not a single member of my family got so much as a sniffle.

How old are your CDs? Because the NHS is bringing in the new vacc which covers pneumonia, meningitis etc...

[kid]

DS had it and my Dr said its not contagious as it developed from a cold. It was only because DS's immune system must have been low that it developed into pneumonia. If any of you are already ill, there is a slim chance you could develop it too, if not, you will be fine.

[expatinscotland]

No.

It can be viral or bacterial.

It's usually a complication of some form of bacterial or viral illness which may or may not be contagious.

I developed it as a complication of influenza, for example.

The influenza is contagious, but the pneumonia wasn't.

[cece]

Thanks feeling reassured now. FIL is much the same though so we are all still woried about him. He has other health problems (120 tablets per week) so it is a concern

[TwigTwoolett]

I also had terrible pneumonia last year ... none of my family got it either

[cece]

Feeling really sorry for FIL now. Poor thing - apparently he is unable to walk today