How many times can you get Pnuemonia in a lifetime?

Question

I had pneumonia twice in my life. I had a severe case at 8 years old that debilitated me 100% for well over a month (couldn't even play video games). I couldn't exercise properly for nearly a year afterwards without hacking something up or wheezing. I had another instance at age 16 that was much less intense. I just turned 29, and I'm going to be spending a lot of time outdoors this winter walking to work. I'm concerned that I could be vulnerable to getting it again, but I don't know much about the illness, other than the 2 times I got it I was out in the snow a lot.

I see that they have pneumonia vaccine out there but they only reccommend it to people over 65 years old and once in their life.

Does anybody have any knowledge of how many times the average person can get pneumonia? I thought after I got it once I would be covered for life.

Answer 1

pnuemonia is not in and of itself, a disease, it is a result of infection by either a bacterium or a virus that focuses in your lungs. So, no, you cannot be "safe" from pnuemonia simply by having it once twice or a dozen times, even the shot only protects from pnuemonia caused by the pnuemococcus organism and there are plenty of other bugs that can cause the problem, that one just seems to be one of the worst.
What I would say is that since you have had it more than once, you are likely prone to getting it again, and so you need to take steps to protect yourself. You should do all that you can to build up your immune system, you should do all that you can to protect yourself from others that walk around in public sharing their own infections. To that end....get plenty of rest, at least 8 hours every night; take a vitamin supplement, preferably liquid, that is 100% bioavailable and take it daily; eat a balanced diet, drink at least a liter of water a day. Wash your hands at least every two hours, carry hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands every time you touch a public surface, like door handles, grocery cart handles, any surface in a bus or taxi and so on. Avoid touching your face in any way until after you have washed your hands well. Avoid crowds in enclosed places like malls and theaters, or wear a mask. Good luck, stay well.

Answer 2

i am 65 had pneumonia 3 times has a adult once has a child have it with Bronchitis but last time was bad brought a thing up bigger than palm of hand then flesh fresh blood and small blood colts i feel very weak never gain back has i was so tied want to sleep all time No clean answer off any one just had chest infection started to cough blood up on off two day don,t now why .6 Weeks after pneumonia have to have chest x ray i said i would like to see my x ray the chap said well you can put i can not make any comment i said that,s fine i know what i am looking for .When i looked at it i was not expecting it to be large has it was could see clear where scab had come from noting was said to me don,t know why it happens would it happen again would i have blood every time i had chest infection nothing all i do know not be right .I am always tied want to sleep all time have Essential Tremor on tablets for that to try control it .Just so tied think its done a lot off harm but i know nothing of why .

Answer 3

I am 55 have had pnuemonia twice, diagnonsed 2 years ago with copd dr gave me a pnuemonia shot and said I would need to get it every 5 years so my understanding is it lasts that long hope this helps I didnt get copd from pnuemonia I smoked for over 35 years

Answer 4

my husband got the vaccine last summer and it nearing the end of this summer and he got pneumonia today,he went to Dr and was given prescription for antibiotic. Its the 3rd pneumonia he has had. And he is like the walking dead right now,he won't stay home he goes to work which is physical labor. He won't stop smoking...been begging him for 31 yrs now. If anything happens to my hubby,I am up the creek without a paqddle

Answer 5

There is no limit to this illness.All i commend you to do is get the vaccine,it is not just limited to the elderly.