- Cough with mucus
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Confusion (especially in older adults)
Antibiotics: First-line treatment for bacterial pneumoniaAntivirals: For viral causes (e.g., flu-related)Hospital care: Oxygen therapy or IV antibiotics for severe casesPneumococcal vaccine: Prevents common bacterial pneumonia strains - Caused by bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (e.g., influenza, RSV), or fungi
- Spread through airborne droplets or aspiration of fluids
- Risk higher in elderly, infants, smokers, and those with chronic illness