2006-11-26 17:51:54 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
NO, In general, pneumonia is not contagious, but the upper respiratory viruses that lead to it are, so it is best to keep away from anyone who has an upper respiratory tract infection. If someone in your home has a respiratory infection or throat infection, keep his or her drinking glass and eating utensils separate from those of other family members, and wash your hands frequently, especially if you are handling used tissues or dirty handkerchiefs.
2006-11-26 17:56:39 · answer #1 · answered by Meli 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very sick. You may cough, run a fever, and have a hard time breathing. For most people, pneumonia can be treated at home. It often clears up in 2 to 3 weeks. But older adults, babies, and people with other diseases can become very ill. They may need to be in the hospital.
Germs called bacteria or viruses usually cause pneumonia.
Symptoms:
Cough. You will likely cough up mucus (sputum) from your lungs. Mucus may be rusty or green or tinged with blood.
Fever.
Fast breathing and feeling short of breath.
Shaking and "teeth-chattering" chills. You may have this only one time or many times.
Chest pain that often feels worse when you cough or breathe in.
Fast heartbeat.
Feeling very tired or feeling very weak.
2006-11-27 03:05:23 · answer #2 · answered by shyn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Pneumonia" is an ambiguous term meaning a condition of the lungs. I can think of a dozen different causes of it off hand.
Bacterial and viral pneumonias are contagious but easily avoided-wash your hands before eating or touching mouth, use alcohol rub when washing is impractical, and avoid people who are actively ill and coughing.
2006-11-26 19:25:30 · answer #3 · answered by barbara 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pneumonia itself is not contagious, but the virus/bacteria that led to the pneumonia is what is contagious.
2006-11-27 02:27:39 · answer #4 · answered by CJBig 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. But the illness that usually precedes it might be and cause others around the ill person to become ill as well.
Best Wishes,
Sue
2006-11-26 17:53:54 · answer #5 · answered by newbiegranny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumonia
2006-11-26 18:00:24 · answer #6 · answered by Brian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES, very much so. Unless they've been on antibiotics for a week, I think.
2006-11-26 17:59:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
viral pneumonia is i think.
2006-11-26 17:54:14 · answer #8 · answered by East Texan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-11-26 18:02:26 · answer #9 · answered by fighting 40s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO
2006-11-26 17:53:04 · answer #10 · answered by prettyface 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋