Quick answer
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a chest infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, often causing cough, breathlessness, chest pain and fever. It can range from mild to life-threatening. Many people recover with rest and antibiotics at home, but older adults, young children and people with weakened immunity may need hospital care — seek urgent help for severe breathlessness.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. They may fill with fluid or pus, making breathing painful and reducing oxygen levels. Pneumonia can be mild and treated at home, or severe and life-threatening — especially in older adults, very young children, and people with weakened immune systems or long-term lung disease.
Symptoms
Pneumonia symptoms can develop over hours or days. They often include:
- a cough — dry or with phlegm, sometimes blood-streaked
- breathlessness — even at rest in severe cases
- chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
- a high temperature, sweats and shivers
- feeling very unwell, tired and achy
- loss of appetite
In older adults, symptoms may be less typical — confusion, falls, or feeling generally unwell without a high fever can be the main signs.
Causes
Pneumonia can be caused by:
- Bacteria — often treated with antibiotics
- Viruses — including flu and COVID-19; antibiotics do not help
- Fungi — less common, usually in people with weakened immunity
It often develops as a complication of a cold, flu or other chest infection.
Diagnosis and treatment
A GP may diagnose pneumonia from symptoms and examination, and sometimes a chest X-ray or blood tests. Treatment depends on cause and severity:
- Antibiotics — for bacterial pneumonia; take the full course as prescribed
- Rest and fluids — essential for all types
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen — for fever and pain, if suitable
- Hospital care — for severe breathlessness, low oxygen, dehydration, or if you are in a high-risk group
Do not delay seeking help if you suspect pneumonia — early treatment improves outcomes.
Recovery
Recovery time varies. Many people feel much better within a week of starting treatment, but fatigue and cough can persist for weeks. Build activity gradually and return to work when you feel ready — your GP can advise if unsure.
Vaccination
The NHS offers pneumococcal vaccination to older adults and some people with long-term conditions, and flu vaccination reduces the risk of viral pneumonia. Ask your GP whether you are eligible.
When to seek urgent help
Call 999 for severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, or blue lips or skin. Pneumonia can deteriorate quickly — especially in vulnerable people — so err on the side of getting help early.
Common questions
- What are the main symptoms of pneumonia?
- A cough — often with phlegm — breathlessness, chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing, fever, sweats and shivers, and feeling very unwell. Older adults may have confusion or a lower temperature rather than a high fever.
- Is pneumonia contagious?
- Some types can spread, especially viral pneumonia. Good hand hygiene and covering coughs help. Many cases follow a cold or flu rather than direct spread from another pneumonia patient.
- How is pneumonia treated?
- Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia may not need antibiotics. Rest, fluids and pain relief help recovery. Hospital treatment — including oxygen — is needed for severe cases.
- How long does it take to recover from pneumonia?
- Many people feel significantly better within a week of starting treatment, but tiredness and cough can last several weeks. Full recovery may take a month or more, especially after a severe episode.
- Can pneumonia be prevented?
- Pneumococcal and flu vaccines reduce risk in eligible groups. Not smoking, managing long-term lung conditions, and good hand hygiene also help. Ask a GP whether you are eligible for pneumonia vaccination.