Can you have pneumonia and it not show on chest x-ray?

Yes: You could have a small or minor pneumonia or one in a hard place to see on chest x-ray but in general, if the x-ray is clear, you probably don't have it. Can always get a repeat in a few days if symptoms persist or worsen to see if a pneumonia becomes more apparent.

Yes: Early phase pneumonia with fever and chills may have normal chest xray and consolidate 24-48 hours later,Consolidation can lag behind clinical symptom.and clinical improvement before xray improves.Immune compromised patients on chemotherapy with neutropenia or few white blood cells, exam can look negative. It is necessary to have white blood cells to form consolidation . Bacteria are not radio de