PNEUMONIA FACT SHEET What is pneumonia? Pneumococcal Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) mild to severe illness. Pneumonia can be caused by Pertussis (whooping cough) viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Common causes of viral Varicella (chickenpox) pneumonia are influenza and respiratory syncytial virus Measles (RSV), and a common cause of bacterial pneumonia Influenza (flu) is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). How is pneumonia treated? Who can get pneumonia? Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. Anyone. However, you are more likely to become ill Viral pneumonia, without evidence of bacterial with pneumonia if you smoke, have underlying medical infection, is not treated with antibiotics, but rather an conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) are influenza antiviral medication. This is a drug that 65 years or older, or are a child younger than 5 years old. specifically fights influenza viruses. Persons who are on ventilators are at risk for ventilator- associated pneumonia. How can people protect themselves against pneumonia? What are the symptoms of pneumonia? In addition to vaccination, you can protect yourself Most people experience cough, fever and difficulty against pneumonia and other respiratory infections by breathing. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia can vary, taking the following steps: depending on your age and health. Wash your hands often with soap and water, How is pneumonia spread? scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds The viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia usually Disinfect frequently touched surfaces spread in small droplets when an infected person coughs Take care of your medical problems, such as or sneezes into the air. If you are nearby, you can breathe diabetes or heart disease in these droplets or they can land in your nose or mouth. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you You can also pick up germs that cause pneumonia by cough or sneeze shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces, then Quit smoking touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Where can I get more information? Are there vaccines to help prevent pneumonia? Information about pneumonia and other related health Yes, there are several vaccines that help protect against topics can be found at www.cdc.gov. The DC infections caused by bacteria or viruses that may cause Department of Health promotes the health and safety of pneumonia. These vaccines include the following: the District residents. For additional information, please visit www.doh.dc.gov or call (202) 442-9371. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ddDEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Center for Policy, Planning, and Evaluation Division of Epidemiology—Disease Surveillance and Investigation 899 N. Capitol Street, NE, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20002 www.doh.dc.gov .