Can You Get Pneumonia From The Flu

Can You Catch Pneumonia More Than Once

Yes. Pneumonia is caused by many different microbes, and so getting it once does not protect you from getting it again. If you get pneumonia more than once you may need to have more investigations to understand why this has happened. It could be due to a problem in your chest or your immune system, and you may be referred to a specialist.

How Do You Get Influenza

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is caught when the virus comes in contact with the mucus membranes in your nose. This could be contamination of the air or by touch. Someone who has the flu touches his nose or mouth and then touches an object, which you then pick up. If you dont wash your hands, at some point if you touch your mouth or nose, you have brought the virus close enough to infect yourself.

Can You Get A Flu Shot And Pneumonia Shot The Same Day

Can You Get A Flu Shot And Pneumonia Shot The Same Day. It was studied simultaneously with mmr and chicken pox vaccines in a group of 1,245 infants , but it wasn’t studied with any of the myriad of other vaccines that an infant or child might receive on the same day. Typically, youll get one vaccine, wait a year, and then get the second immunization.

The health agency advises providers to administer. In general, the cdc recommends pneumonia vaccines for young kids, older. Yes, you can get your covid booster and flu shot at the same time.

Source:

At that time, it was recommended that. This flu shot warning is especially true for infants, who could be due for as many as six other vaccines at a checkup.

Source: www.amitahealth.org

We can’t know if chest heaviness is related to the flu shot, it might be, though it’s not listed above. Although you can still get the flu even after youve been vaccinated knowing youve had it will.

Source: nfrmc.com

The flu is a viral infection caused by the flu virus, and pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria like streptococcus pneumoniae . Additionally, the doctor revealed she gives certain vaccines on the same day in her own office, such as the pneumonia and flu shots, since those have also existed for a.

Source: www.orlandohealth.comSource: healthcareinspirations.comSource: theluxuryspot.comSource: gametips.waldorfchildren.orgSource: www.qdnurses.comSource: www.kelley-ross.comSource: www.nfid.orgSource: www.kelley-ross.com

Recommended Reading: At What Age Can You Get A Pneumonia Shot

How Is Pneumonia Spread From Person To Person

Pneumonia is spread when droplets of fluid containing the pneumonia bacteria or virus are launched in the air when someone coughs or sneezes and then inhaled by others. You can also get pneumonia from touching an object previously touched by the person with pneumonia or touching a tissue used by the infected person and then touching your mouth or nose.

Complications Of Cold And Flu

Most common colds are not severe, but they can worsen or lead to health complications.

Enteroviruses that are often the culprits in the common cold can cause brain lining inflammation that causes severe headaches, difficulty looking at bright lights, neck stiffness, high fever, and confusion, says Cameron Wolfe, MBBS, an infectious-disease specialist at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

If cold or flu symptoms persist or worsen, the patient may have a secondary or bacterial infection. That can lead to sinus or ear infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The flu can also worsen preexisting medical problems, such as triggering asthma attacks in people with asthma.

Recommended Reading: Can You Get Pneumonia From Air Conditioning

How Can You Prevent Pneumonia

Many cases of pneumonia result from complications of a cold or the flu. This means that preventing these illnesses can help prevent pneumonia.

• Get a flu shot each year to help prevent the spread of flu, and reduce flu symptoms.
• Wash your hands often, and wash them well. You cant wash your hands too much during cold and flu season.
• You can usually treat colds at home, but you should visit the doctor if you suspect that you or someone in your home has the flu. A doctor can provide you with medication that may help shorten the duration of your illness, and prevent complications such as pneumonia.

Can A Cold Or Flu Cause Pneumonia

Some flu seasons hit harder than others. Vaccination and good hygiene are key in preventing the spread of cold and flu, but sometimes theres nothing you can do to stop illness from setting in. While colds or influenza are often treatable at home with over-the-counter medicine you shouldnt take these illnesses lightly. These illnesses can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia.

You May Like: Is Wheezing A Sign Of Pneumonia

How Can I Help Myself Feel Better

If your doctor has prescribed medicine, follow the directions carefully.

You may feel better in a room with a humidifier, which increases the moisture in the air and soothes irritated lungs. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have a fever. If you have a fever and feel uncomfortable, ask the doctor whether you can take over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring it down. But don’t take any medicine without checking first with your doctor a cough suppressant, for example, may not allow your lungs to clear themselves of mucus.

And finally, be sure to rest. This is a good time to sleep, watch TV, read, and lay low. If you treat your body right, it will repair itself and you’ll be back to normal in no time.

When Should I See My Doctor

Pneumonia can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially for certain at-risk people. You should call your doctor if you have a cough that wont go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fever. You should also call your doctor if you suddenly begin to feel worse after having a cold or the flu.

Also Check: Can Pneumonia Cause Arm Pain

How Is Pneumonia Treated

Flu-related pneumonia may be caused by the flu virus itself or a secondary bacterial infection .

There is no specific treatment for viral pneumonia. Treatment is focused on reducing symptoms:

• For fever and pain, take over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen .
• Take cough suppressants.
• Use nasal decongestants and/or nasal saline drops, spray or rinse to relieve congestion.
• You can also use a humidifier for congestion.
• Increase fluid intake .
• Get enough rest.

For bacterial pneumonia, youll be given antibiotics. It is important to finish all the antibiotics, even once symptoms start to improve, so that the infection doesnt return.

How Is The Flu Diagnosed

Your doctor may diagnose a probable influenza infection based on your symptoms alone. They will listen to your chest using a stethoscope. If your doctor wants to be sure of the diagnosis they may take a sample of cells and mucus from your nose or throat using a sterile cotton swab. This sample will be sent to a pathology laboratory for testing.

Don’t Miss: How Often Can You Get A Pneumonia Shot

Is It Safe To Get The Flu Shot And The Pneumonia Shot At The Same Time

Is It Safe To Get The Flu Shot And The Pneumonia Shot At The Same Time. The flu is a viral infection caused by the flu virus, and pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria like streptococcus pneumoniae . Additionally, since having the flu increases the risk of getting pneumococcal disease, receiving a flu vaccine is important for preventing pneumococcal disease.

Kimberly brooks prepares a flu shot during a local. the great news is yes, you can get. Not only is it safe to get both vaccines, but getting them at the same time could save you time and money.

Source: www.youtube.com

the great news is yes, you can get. Getting multiple vaccines at the same time has been shown to be safe.

Source: www.medicaldaily.com

people can get flu shots and covid shots at the same time and in the same place! Scientific data show that getting several vaccines at the same time does not cause any chronic health problems.

Source: www.medicaldaily.com

Having the flu can be dangerous for anyone. However, people who get the flu are more likely to get pneumonia, which is why the flu shot is often cited as a way to prevent pneumonia.

Source: bcbstwelltuned.com

Additionally, since having the flu increases the risk of getting pneumococcal disease, receiving a flu vaccine is important for preventing pneumococcal disease. You can administer either pneumonia vaccine and the flu shot during the same visit, dr.

Source: news.yahoo.comSource: www.rd.com

How Do You Get Pneumonia

You may get pneumonia:

• After you breathe infected air particles into your lungs.
• After you breathe certain bacteria from your nose and throat into your lungs.
• During or after a viral upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or influenza .
• As a complication of a viral illness, such as measles or chickenpox.
• If you breathe large amounts of food, gastric juices from the stomach, or vomit into the lungs . This can happen when you have had a medical condition that affects your ability to swallow, such as a seizure or a stroke.

A healthy person’s nose and throat often contain bacteria or viruses that cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can develop when these organisms spread to your lungs while your lungs are more likely to be infected. Examples of times when this can happen are during or soon after a cold or if you have a long-term illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .

You can get pneumonia in your daily life, such as at school or work or when you are in a hospital or nursing home . Treatment may differ in healthcare-associated pneumonia, because bacteria causing the infection in hospitals may be different from those causing it in the community. This topic focuses on community-associated pneumonia.

Also Check: Flu Jab And Pneumonia Jab Together Side Effects

Is There A Vaccine For Pneumonia

There isnt a vaccine for all types of pneumonia, but 2 vaccines are available. These help prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The first is recommended for all children younger than 5 years of age. The second is recommended for anyone age 2 or older who is at increased risk for pneumonia. Getting the pneumonia vaccine is especially important if you:

• Are 65 years of age or older.
• Smoke.
• Have certain chronic conditions, such as asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell disease, or cirrhosis.
• Have a weakened immune system because of HIV/AIDS, kidney failure, a damaged or removed spleen, a recent organ transplant, or receiving chemotherapy.
• Have cochlear implants .

The pneumococcal vaccines cant prevent all cases of pneumonia. But they can make it less likely that people who are at risk will experience the severe, and possibly life-threatening, complications of pneumonia.

How Is Pneumonia Diagnosed

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. He or she may order a chest X-ray and a complete blood count . This is usually enough for your doctor to know if you have pneumonia. You may need more tests if you have bad symptoms, are an older adult, or have other health problems. In general, the sicker you are, the more tests you may need.

Your doctor may also test mucus from your lungs to find out if bacteria are causing your pneumonia. Finding out what is causing your pneumonia can help your doctor choose the best treatment for you. However, often the organism can’t be found and a broad-spectrum antibiotic may be given.

Recommended Reading: Which Pneumonia Vaccine Comes First

How Soon After Treatment For Pneumonia Will I Begin To Feel Better

How soon you will feel better depends on several factors, including:

• Your age
• The cause of your pneumonia
• The severity of your pneumonia
• If you have other at-risk conditions

If you are generally healthy, most symptoms of bacterial pneumonia usually begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment. Symptoms of viral pneumonia usually begin to improve within a few days after starting treatment. A cough can last for several weeks. Most people report being tired for about a month after contracting pneumonia.

Can The Flu Be Prevented

Yes, influenza can be prevented with a few simple precautions and, in many cases, with a vaccination.

Precautions:

• Hand washing is the number one weapon against influenza. Washing your hands after touching your face if you have the flu or after touching potentially contaminated objects has been proven to effectively reduce the chances of passing on or developing the flu.
• Sneezing or coughing into your elbow is a good way to reduce transmission of the flu virus. Unlike sneezing or coughing into your hand, your elbow wont touch common objects that will be touched by others.
• If you have the flu, avoid others while you have symptoms and for 24 hours after the symptoms have gone.
• Get your annual flu vaccination. Every year, a new vaccine is developed based on the information about the new influenza strain that is circling the globe. Getting a vaccination is your best protection, although it may not be 100%. If you cannot get the vaccine for health reasons, encourage your family members, friends, and coworkers to be vaccinated. If they reduce their risk of getting the flu, your risk of catching it becomes lower.

You May Like: How Long Is Pneumonia Shot Last

What Other Problems Can Pneumonia Cause

Sometimes pneumonia can cause serious complications such as:

• Bacteremia, which happens when the bacteria move into the bloodstream. It is serious and can lead to .
• Lung abscesses, which are collections of pus in cavities of the lungs
• Pleural disorders, which are conditions that affect the pleura. The pleura is the tissue that covers the outside of the lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity.
• Respiratory failure

How Can I Tell If I Have Pneumonia Versus The Common Cold Or The Flu

Do I have a cold or could it be the flu or even pneumonia? Its tough to tell the difference but critical to know when to seek medical care

Watch for these ongoing symptoms that occur in pneumonia:

• Serious congestion or chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• A fever of 102 or higher.
• Coughing that produces pus.

Pneumonia symptoms last longer than cold and flu. If your symptoms arent severe, its okay to try such home remedies as getting more rest, drinking more fluids and taking some over-the-counter medicines and see what happens. But if you dont see improvement in your symptoms after three to five days, or if you are experiencing more serious symptoms such as dizziness or severe difficulty breathing, see your healthcare provider. Dont let it go. Pneumonia-like symptoms in very young children or in adults older than 65 are a cause for concern. Also, pneumonia can cause permanent lung damage if left untreated for too long. And always seek immediate care if you experience chest pain or have breathing difficulties.

Read Also: Can Pneumonia Cause A Rash

When To See Your Provider

As you can see, the flu and pneumonia are actually verydifferent illnesses. However, both can lead to major complications if leftuntreated.

The flu can be treated with antiviral medication if you seeyour provider within one to two days of the onset of symptoms. If you wait toolong to get an antiviral medicine, you can still treat the symptoms of the fluwith OTC pain relievers.

If you develop pneumonia symptoms, see your provider rightaway. You may need an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis, and you may also need anantibiotic if the infection in your lungs is bacterial. We mentioned earlierthat pneumonia can be a complication of the flu. This and other possiblecomplications are why it’s crucial to monitor your flu symptoms and alert yourprovider if any changes develop.

Getting your flu shot can prevent the flu altogether orgreatly reduce your symptoms and prevent serious developments like pneumonia.The flu shot is available at our four Knoxville Summit Express Clinics. Visitus between 8 am and 8 pm seven days a week. For additional information, visit www.summitmedical.com/express.

How Quickly Did Your Symptoms Show Up

Its very common for flu symptomsfever, muscle aches, stuffy nose, sore throat, etc.to arrive so suddenly that its possible to pinpoint the exact moment all your misery began, says Kimberly Brown, MD, MPH, an emergency medicine doctor in Memphis.

Pneumonia, in contrast, typically has a less dramatic entry, with symptoms ramping up over several days, says Dr. Lovell.

RELATED: Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia: How to Tell the Difference

Don’t Miss: What Symptoms Do You Have If You Have Pneumonia

Causes And Risk Factors Of Cold And Flu

The flu is caused by influenza viruses, but many distinct viruses can cause a cold.

Certain populations are more susceptible to getting a cold or the flu, including the very young, older adults, and people with a compromised immune system.

Factors that can increase your risk of becoming infected include:

Is Pneumonia Contagious

Certain types of pneumonia are contagious . Pneumonia caused by bacteria or viruses can be contagious when the disease-carrying organisms are breathed into your lungs. However, not everyone who is exposed to the germs that cause pneumonia will develop it.

Pneumonia caused by fungi are not contagious. The fungi are in soil, which becomes airborne and inhaled, but it is not spread from person to person.

You May Like: How Serious Is Septic Pneumonia

What Causes Pneumonia

Germs called bacteria or viruses usually cause pneumonia.

Pneumonia usually starts when you breathe the germs into your lungs. You may be more likely to get the disease after having a cold or influenza . These illnesses make it harder for your lungs to fight infection, so it is easier to get pneumonia. Having a long-term, or chronic, disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes also makes you more likely to get pneumonia.