Question 1

is bacterial pneumonia a communicable disease?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Many different kind of bacteria can cause pneumonia. Legionnaire's disease, for example, is environmentally contagious. Most forms of bacterial pneumonia cannot be transmitted from person to person, though.

Question 2

i have bacterial pneumonia, are the symptoms similar to viral pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, usually: Bacterial pneumonia varies by the type of bacteria as does viral pneumonia.  In general, however, both present with a fever, shortness of breath, and a cough.

Question 3

how would i know if i also have bacterial pneumonia when i have a cold or flu?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial pneumonia: Suspect bacterial pneumonia when the symptoms of the common cold change to involve new fever, shaking chills, sweats,increasing cough productive of discolored and/or bloody sputum, and sharp chest pain on taking a deep breath. Shortness of breath often occurs with extensive pneumonia.

Question 4

56/m (ex-smoker) - is it common or rare for bacterial pneumonia (along with parapneumonic effusion) to cause pleural thickening?

Accepted Answer

It depends whether: it is diffuse(i.e. involving the whole lung) or focal pleural thickening.  It would be exceedingly rare for bacterial pneumonia to cause diffuse pleural thickening, but relatively common to cause focal pleural thickening and/or effusion as a reaction to the adjacent infection.

Question 5

in what way does bacterial pneumonia spread?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory droplets: Pneumonia is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets released when a person coughs, sneezes, laughs, or talks. The bacteria can live in a person's throat without causing symptoms, so you can even get it from a person who doesn't look sick. Avoid the spread of germs by washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and being cautious around sick people.

Question 6

what time of year is bacterial pneumonia more common?

Accepted Answer

More cases in winter: Pneumonia is prevelant year around but more cases diagnosed in winter season.

Question 7

what is the method of transmission in bacterial pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory droplets: Pneumonia is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets released when a person coughs, sneezes, laughs, or talks. The bacteria can live in a person's throat without causing symptoms, so you can even get it from a person who doesn't look sick. Avoid the spread of germs by washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and being cautious around sick people.

Question 8

is bacterial pneumonia more dangerous for elderly children?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is more dangerous in that  more severe illness and even death is statistically more common in the very young or the elderly. In both age groups pneumonia is still usually readily treatable with appropriate antibiotics and support. The highest risk of serious illness occurs not just with age, but with the existence of some other underlying disease. (cancer, heart disease, hiv, etc.).

Question 9

will viral or bacterial pneumonia cure itself depending on time?

Accepted Answer

Maybe but it depends: I know you want a more definitive answer but my crystal ball is in the shop being repaired. Is it possible to get over an pneumonia (and for that matter, any other infection) w/o taking antibiotics? Sure! but unless the infection is mild and you're super healthy, the odds aren't in your favor. While we can't treat viral infections (unlike bacterial ones), we can provide respiratory, etc support.

Question 10

what makes viral pneumonia more problematic than bacterial pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Depends: This depends on how you define problamatic. Most viral pneumonia i treat is only troublesome because I have no antibotics to help it go away. Often it is not much worse than a bad cold & supportive care & monitoring for complications is all we need to do until it passes. Some rare viral pneumonias are a big pain, chickenpox in a newborn or adult can be deadly as was sars before it vanished.

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Doctor answers about:

Bacterial pneumonia incubation period

A member asked:

Is bacterial pneumonia a communicable disease?

A member asked:

I have bacterial pneumonia, are the symptoms similar to viral pneumonia?

A member asked:

How would i know if i also have bacterial pneumonia when i have a cold or flu?

A member asked:

56/m (ex-smoker) - is it common or rare for bacterial pneumonia (along with parapneumonic effusion) to cause pleural thickening?

A member asked:

In what way does bacterial pneumonia spread?

A member asked:

What time of year is bacterial pneumonia more common?

A member asked:

What is the method of transmission in bacterial pneumonia?

A member asked:

Is bacterial pneumonia more dangerous for elderly children?

A member asked:

Will viral or bacterial pneumonia cure itself depending on time?

A member asked:

What makes viral pneumonia more problematic than bacterial pneumonia?

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