Pneumonia
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Pneumonia symptoms in adults
If you have pneumonia, your symptoms may develop over 1 or 2 days, or more gradually over several days.
Common symptoms include:
- A cough – this might be a dry cough or a wet cough which brings up yellow or green mucus (phlegm)
- Feeling tired and unwell
- Not having an appetite
- Having a fast heartbeat
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- A high temperature
- Chest pain
- Shivering
- Confusion – especially in older people
- Wheezing
- Low blood pressure
- Coughing up blood
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Some people also get a sharp pain in their chest when breathing. This can happen because the lining between the lung and the ribcage (the pleura) is infected and swollen. This swelling is called pleurisy and it stops your lungs from moving smoothly while you’re breathing.
Pneumonia symptoms in children
Pneumonia is most common in young children and can develop after a cold, cough, or sore throat. Early symptoms are similar to those of a cold. Pneumonia symptoms can vary in children depending on their age and the cause of their pneumonia. Symptoms can include:
- A high temperature (over 38.5°C)
- Rapid breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Laboured breathing – this might make the muscles under their rib cage draw inwards
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased activity
- Loss of appetite in older children
- Poor feeding in infants
- Bluish or grey lips and fingernails in extreme cases
Not every child who gets pneumonia will have a cough, they may only have some of the symptoms mentioned above.
You need to call 999 urgently if:
- You or your child is struggling to breathe – they’re choking, gasping and unable to speak
- You or your child has pale, blue or blotchy skin, lips or tongue (this might be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- You or your child suddenly feel confused
- You can’t wake your baby and they feel floppy
- You or your child has a rash that doesn’t fade when you roll a glass over it
- You or your child collapses or faints
- You or your child has stopped weeing or is weeing a lot less than normal
In some cases, you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if:
- You or your child have had a cough for 3 weeks or more
- You or your child are coughing up blood
- You or your child have chest pain that comes and goes
- You or your child have chest pain when breathing or coughing
- You or your child feel short of breath
What causes pneumonia?
Pneumonia is usually caused by a pneumococcal infection from a bacterium called streptococcus pneumoniae. Other types of bacteria and viruses can also cause pneumonia. In some cases, a fungal infection can lead to pneumonia, but this is less common.
Pneumonia can be caught by someone who has it, or you can get it after having another infection, like the flu or coronavirus (COVID-19). Another type of pneumonia is aspiration pneumonia, which happens when something, like food or water, gets into your lungs.
If you get pneumonia while in hospital for another reason, like an operation, it is called hospital-acquired pneumonia. People in intensive care who need breathing machines are at the highest risk.
Pneumonia that starts outside the hospital is known as community-acquired pneumonia. It is usually caused by infections from bacteria and viruses that can spread from person to person. These can be spread through:
- Coughs and sneezes from an infected person
- Contact with an infected person, such as their tissues
Types of pneumonia
You might hear of some mild cases of pneumonia being called “walking pneumonia”. This is an informal term that can be used if your pneumonia is mild. The symptoms can feel like a bad cold which include:
- Headache
- A temperature (fever)
- Cough
- Tiredness
The different types of pneumonia include:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Viral pneumonia
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Fungal pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is mostly caused by the streptococcus pneumonia bacteria, but other bacteria can also cause it, including staphylococcus aureus and haemophilus influenza.
The germs that cause bacterial pneumonia can be passed on to people and this usually happens when the body is weak, for example:
- Illness
- Being elderly
- Having a lowered immune system
Although it usually happens to the above groups, bacterial pneumonia can happen to anyone.
Viral pneumonia is mostly caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and in some cases, influenza type A or B (the flu virus). Viral pneumonia is common in young children.
Other viruses that can cause pneumonia include:
- Adenoviruses
- Rhinoviruses
- Parainfluenza virus (which causes croup)
COVID-19 pneumonia is a type of viral pneumonia that can happen because of COVID-19. The viruses that cause viral pneumonia can be spread and passed on.
Aspiration pneumonia is caused by breathing something into your lungs. This can include:
- Food
- Drink
- Vomit
- A foreign object like a peanut
- Harmful substances, such as smoke or chemicals
It's more common in people who already suffer from the below:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Poor oral hygiene
- Difficulty managing fluids like saliva
- Low weight
- Having a weak cough
- Chest wall deformity
- Immobility
- Constipation
- Epilepsy
Sometimes, there are no signs that food, drink, or anything foreign has entered the lungs. You might not even experience any significant coughing. This is known as silent aspiration.
Fungal pneumonia is caused by a fungal infection. This type of pneumonia is less common in the UK and is more likely to affect people with a weakened immune system.
Who's at risk?
Anyone can get pneumonia, regardless of their age. Every year in the UK, 5 to 10 in every 1000 adults get community-acquired pneumonia.
Some people are at a higher risk of pneumonia, including:
- Babies and young children
- Adults aged over 65
- People with neurological conditions
- People with long-term health conditions including, lung, heart, brain, liver or kidney
- People with diabetes
If you’re at a higher risk of getting pneumonia, it’s recommended you get the pneumococcal vaccination, also known as the pneumonia vaccination. It can protect against an infection that causes pneumonia. Find out more about vaccinations in the “Pneumonia vaccinations” section of this page. If you’re at higher risk, you should also get the flu vaccination annually. You can speak to your GP or pharmacist about both vaccinations.
Treatment for pneumonia
Pneumonia can be serious so it’s important to make sure it’s treated. Treatment for bacterial pneumonia usually involves the use of antibiotics. Most people with pneumonia get better in 2 to 4 weeks.
If you become seriously ill, you might need to go to the hospital for treatment. Find out more about people at risk in the “Who's at risk” section of this page.
In the hospital, fluids and antibiotics are usually given to treat the infection. If you’re struggling to breathe, you may also be given oxygen. You might be sent for an X-ray of your chest and blood tests to rule out other conditions.
If you’re given antibiotics to take at home and you aren’t feeling better after taking them for 2 to 3 days, contact your GP.
Treatment for pneumonia can differ depending on the type of pneumonia you have. Check out the different types of pneumonia below to learn more.
It may be possible to manage mild pneumonia at home with treatment from your GP, which may include antibiotics. If you aren’t feeling better after 3 days, speak to your GP, you might need to try a different antibiotic. It’s important to finish your course of antibiotics even if you feel better. Not completing the course may mean your infection returns.
If your pneumonia is more severe, you may need to be treated in hospital. You might be given fluids and antibiotics through a drip in your arm, as well as oxygen if necessary. While you are in the hospital, the staff will monitor your temperature and breathing.
Most cases of viral pneumonia don’t require medication, it usually gets better on its own with rest and plenty of water. If you are in pain, you can take pain relief if it is suitable for you. In some cases, antiviral medicine may be prescribed. In severe cases of viral pneumonia, you may need to go to the hospital and be given oxygen and medication to help with breathing.
Aspiration pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. If your pneumonia is caused by breathing in an object, you may need a bronchoscopy. This is a procedure that allows doctors to look into your airways and lungs. If necessary, they may schedule an appointment to remove the object.
Dos & don’ts
There are things you can do at home to help you feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of spreading pneumonia.
Do
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Take pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen if it’s suitable
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Put used tissues in the bin as soon as possible
- Rest until you feel better
- Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a fever
- Wash your hands regularly with water and soap. Hand sanitisers can be handy if soap and water aren’t nearby
- If prescribed antibiotics, make sure the full course is completed even if you start to feel better
Don't
- Take cough medicine, because coughing helps your body to get rid of the infection
- Smoke, as it can make the infection worse
Preventing the spread of pneumonia
The pneumococcal vaccination can help protect you against streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia.
The flu vaccination can help protect against pneumonia which has been caused by the flu.
You can find out more about vaccinations in the “Pneumonia vaccinations” section of the page.
You can help prevent the spread of pneumonia with some hygiene measures. These include:
- Washing your hands regularly and carefully, especially after touching your mouth and nose and before handling any food
- Using hand sanitiser if you aren’t able to use soap and water to wash your hands
- Coughing and sneezing into tissues, throwing these away and washing your hands immediately
- Avoiding sharing kitchen utensils like cutlery and cups
Pneumonia vaccinations
The pneumococcal vaccination helps protect against pneumonia and other pneumococcal infections, particularly those caused by streptococcus pneumoniae, which is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia.
While the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of serious infections like meningitis and sepsis, there is still a chance of contracting a pneumococcal infection. Protection typically begins 3 weeks after vaccination and is recommended for individuals at higher risk, such as babies and adults aged 65 and over.
The pneumococcal vaccination is available for:
- Babies, who receive 2 doses as part of the NHS child vaccination schedule (first dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year).
- Adults aged 65 and over, who receive 1 dose when they turn 65.
- Children and adults at higher risk of serious illness may need at least one dose, with some requiring extra or regular doses.
If you or your child have missed a vaccination, please contact your GP surgery.
Most people can receive the pneumococcal vaccination, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, you should not have the vaccine if you have had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or any ingredient in the vaccine. If you or your child are feeling unwell or have a high temperature, it is best to wait until you feel better before getting vaccinated.
You can receive the pneumococcal vaccination at your GP surgery, where it is available for free if you are eligible. It can also be given at the same time as other vaccinations, such as the flu jab. Alternatively, you may be able to get the vaccination privately at a Boots pharmacy, which is available for individuals aged 18 and over.
Like all medicines, the pneumococcal vaccination can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects include:
- Swelling or pain at the injection site
- A high temperature
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
If your baby or child experiences side effects, children's paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease discomfort. If you have concerns about your baby’s health, especially if they are under 3 months old and have a high temperature, seek urgent medical advice. Anaphylaxis is a rare but serious side effect that can occur within minutes; your vaccinator will be trained to handle such situations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms of pneumonia can begin suddenly or slowly over some days.
Symptoms can include:
- Coughing – coughing up yellow or green mucus (phlegm)
- Shortness of breath
- A high temperature
- Chest pain
- An aching body
- Feeling tired
- Lack of appetite
- Wheezing
- Feeling confused (common in older people)
Pneumonia can sometimes be serious so it’s important to get treatment quickly. Most people who get pneumonia get better within 2 to 4 weeks but some groups like babies, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions have a higher risk of getting seriously ill. These groups may need treatment in the hospital. As they have a higher risk of getting seriously ill, they’re recommended to get the pneumonia vaccination.
Pneumonia is usually caused by a pneumococcal infection. The different types of bacteria that can cause this infection include:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common)
- Haemophilus influenza
- Staphylococcus aureus
Pneumonia is contagious, you can catch pneumonia from someone who has it. It’s less contagious than the flu or a cold as most people’s immune system can kill it before it can cause an infection.
The bacteria that cause pneumonia can usually live harmlessly in people’s noses and throats without causing any problems, but some groups like babies and the elderly are more susceptible to infection.
3Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria apply.
10Eligibility criteria and charges apply. In most Boots pharmacies, subject to availability. People aged 65 and over are also eligible for a free NHS pneumonia vaccination. If you’re over 65 and haven’t already had the NHS vaccination, speak to your doctor about having this. It’s a different type of vaccination to the one used in the Boots service so you may want to consider having both to further increase your protection against pneumonia. You may also be eligible for the NHS vaccination if you are under 65 and are living with a long-term health condition such as diabetes. The Boots Pneumonia Vaccination Service does not replace the need for the NHS vaccination.
13Selected UK Boots pharmacies, subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and charges apply. Please note this is not an NHS service.
