Is pneumonia contagious?

Yes - certain viruses that can lead to pneumonia are contagious.

Every day people breathe in different types of bacteria, viruses or other germs. In general, it is nothing to worry about as our immune systems usually kill off these germs.

People often have small amounts of germs in their nose and throat. These germs can be passed on through sneezing, coughing or contact, such as hugging or kissing.

Some of these germs are contagious and they can multiply and cause lung infections, leading to pneumonia.

Pneumonia is not always caught in this way as occasionally an infection is carried to the lungs by the bloodstream or moves to the lungs directly from the infected area.

Pneumonia can also follow surgery or an injury, particularly to the chest area, when there is a reduction in the ability to breathe or cough fully, giving mucus the chance to build up.

Inhaling a foreign material, for example food or vomit, can also cause pneumonia and fungal pneumonia is usually linked to problems with the immune system.

A wide range of germs, including streptococcus, haemophilus, klebsiella, legionella, and tuberculosis, can cause pneumonia as well as viruses such as influenza and chickenpox.

Some pneumonias are caused by allergies to work-related materials (occupational hazards) e.g. farmer's lung and wool-sorter's lung.