Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes fever, cough and breathing problems. It is usually due to bacteria however viral infections such as influenza can either mimic the symptoms or even progress to this disease.

 

Diagnosis & Treatment:

 If you have a fever, breathing difficulty, cough, chest pain in deep breathing, fast heart beat or shaking chills you should present yourself to an emergency immediately. Call 000 and ask for help. In emergency room a doctor would request a chest xray, take your blood for culture and perform other necessary tests. You may receive appropriate IV (through the vein) antibiotics as well as fluid. If your disease is not very severe you may be discharged home with oral antibiotics. In case of a viral infection, the emergency doctor would not prescribe antibiotics. 

 

Transmission:

Bacterial pneumonia is not usually transmittable however a viral pneumonitis such as influenza is extremely contagious.

 

Prevention:

Washing your hands with soap and water, or use of alcohol hand rubs can decrease the chance of catching the diseases. Certain vaccines may prevent the disease but they are not recommended for everyone.