Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
In BC, a vaccine against some types of bacterial pneumonia is offered as part of routine childhood immunizations and also provided free to people who are at high risk of illness. Speak to your health care provider about your eligibility and needs for the vaccine. Other types of pneumonia cannot be prevented.
People are higher risk after having a cold or flu. These illnesses make it hard for your lungs to fight infection, so it’s easier to get pneumonia. Having a chronic disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer or diabetes also puts someone at higher risk. Pneumococcal infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes serious and life-threatening illness of the brain (meningitis), blood (septicemia), or lungs (pneumonia).
Some signs of pneumonia are:
It can also be spread through saliva. This can occur through activities such as kissing or sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, lipsticks, water bottles, mouth guards used for sports, or mouthpieces of musical instruments.
Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to a child under 6 years of age, unless your doctor tells you to.
About Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
Print this page as featured in the guide book, Sneezes & Diseases: A Resource Book for Caregivers & Parents.