Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Pneumonia is a respiratory illness generally caused by an infection. Common in children and older adults, pneumonia can cause a variety of symptoms within and outside of the respiratory system.
Dodging Health Myths
In August 2023, the term "white lung" gained popularity after a rise in pediatric pneumonia cases in the United States.Media outlets and online communities referred to the illness as "white lung," causing concern of a new contagious disease. However, our experts debunked the term and reassured parents that "white lung" was not a medical concern or condition. The recent cases were pneumonia.
Dr. Mary Caserta, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases, tells us what we need to know about the respiratory illness.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs that causes air sacs to be filled with fluid. Most commonly, pneumonia develops after a virus or infection, but it can also be caused by certain bacteria or rarely by fungi.
Cases of pneumonia range in likelihood and severity depending on age, pre-existing health conditions, and use of tobacco products. Often, cases are mild and don’t require hospitalization or bed rest. These instances are commonly referred to as “walking pneumonia."
Is pneumonia contagious?
Dr. Caserta reassures the public that the recent pneumonia uptick isn't cause for undue concern, attributing the unique respiratory landscape to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Most respiratory viruses have a seasonal pattern, and pneumonia in children is more common in the fall and winter.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decrease in infections in children from other typical respiratory germs.
“So far, it appears as though the increased number of cases of pneumonia reported in Ohio is due to the usual causes of infection. These infections are occurring this year during the typical time but perhaps at higher numbers due to the decreased cases during the pandemic.”
Should my child be checked for pneumonia?
If you or your child has the flu, the common cold, or other respiratory illnesses, there is a risk of developing pneumonia. While you can always call your primary care provider or pediatrician with concerns, there are a few pneumonia symptoms that indicate infection.
- Fast, difficult breathing
- Persistent cough
- Chest pains
- Loss of appetite
- Severe, shaking chills
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Tiredness, weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
If you or your child have these symptoms, contact your provider.
If you have already paid a sick visit to the doctor and later notice symptoms are worsening, or a cough is lasting longer than 7 to 10 days, reach out again as you may need to test for pneumonia.
Navigating the sea of information
In a time of consistent online chatter, deciphering fact from fiction is crucial, especially when it comes to health. Try to focus on reliable, trusted sources for personal and public health information, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
URMC offers a medical library with a variety of tools to help locate accurate, trusted medical information. Our “Ask a Librarian” tool is available to help answer questions or find health information.
Never be afraid to reach out to your primary care provider if concerns arise.