How long does it take for Streptococcal pneumonia to clear and is it contagious?

Answer 1

Community-acquired pneumonia develops in people with limited or no contact with medical institutions or settings. The most commonly identified pathogens are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and atypical organisms (ie, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella sp). Symptoms and signs are fever, cough, dyspnea, tachypnea, and tachycardia. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and chest x-ray. Treatment is with empirically chosen antibiotics. Prognosis is excellent for relatively young and/or healthy patients, but many pneumonias, especially when caused by S. pneumoniae and influenza virus, are fatal in older, sicker patients.
The prognosis for an individual depends on the type of pneumonia, the appropriate treatment, any complications, and the person's underlying health. With treatment, most patients will improve within two weeks. Elderly or debilitated patients who fail to respond to treatment may die from respiratory failure.
Please see the web pages for more details on Pneumonia.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, when you say "usually" it carries a risk. When I had it, I was contagious until I had been on the antibiotic (for bacterial pneumonia). Or so the doctor said. Turns out I had a rather nasty case which was resistant to the antibiotic. After I returned to work, it was obvious I was still too sick to be back, so I went back to the doctor who said that although he had said I would be weak, I was not supposed to be that weak ... long story short, I was admitted to the hospital that afternoon. I am a teacher. I unwittingly, and according to doctor's orders was allowed to, exposed 100s of children to the illness, full-blown. I am thankful no one got sick from it. You also run the risk the infection is viral, not bacterial. Nothing works on viruses, just your own body and time. Good luck --

Answer 3

I assume you are actually referring to the respiratory infection by Strep pneumo, as opposed to the various other infections it can cause. It should clear up in a week or so with antibiotic treatment. Unlike some of the other bacteria out there, Strep pneumo does not have many antibiotic resistances, and can always be treated with broad spectrum drugs should some of the less potent ones fail to work.

Yes, it is quite contagious though.

Answer 4

yes it is contagious, could be airborne, or through secretions. This is also the organism that causes strep throat.
You are looking at approx. 7-14 days until it clears up.

Answer 5

yes, its contageous. i had strep throat last winter, it was very painful. i took antibiotics and it was gone within 6 days