A 58-year-old female asked:

Is viral pneumonia contagious? a child where i work was diagnoised with viral pneumonia. is it contagiious?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Ertle
Internal Medicine 48 years experience
A : A variety of viruses can cause pneumonia. Like most respiratory viruses, they are contagious, usually through droplets in the air cause by coughing or sneezing. Sometimes contaminated surfaces can lead to spread. Good hand washing and good respiratory hygiene (covering your cough, etc.) are important.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Michael Depietro
Pulmonary Critical Care 37 years experience
Maybe: Viruses can be transmitted person to person, however a virus that causes pneumonia in one person may not necessarily cause pneumonia in another person who is infected with it. For example the flu can can cause a fever, muscle aches and few lung symptoms in one person but a severe pneumonia in another.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Oct 3, 2016

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