How to Handle Pneumonia at Home

Pneumonia is often unpleasant, but most people respond well to treatment and don't have serious complications. You can help.

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Pneumonia Care

Helpful Highlights

Although pneumonia can be a very serious illness, even life-threatening, most people with pneumonia respond well to treatment.

Those at higher risk for complications are older adults, infants and young children, and those with weakened immune systems or significant medical problems.

Also, know that treatment time varies. Pneumonia does always not resolve quickly. While your loved one is in treatment and recovering from pneumonia at home, here are some helpful things to know.

When should I take them to the emergency room?

When should I call their provider?

What can I do to help them feel better?

How soon until they begin to feel better?

This depends on many factors like their age, the cause of pneumonia, the severity of pneumonia, and if they have any other significant medical conditions or otherwise compromised health. It also depends on how active or restful they are, how adherent they are to their medications and therapies, and their hydration and nutrition status.

If they are doing well in these areas, most symptoms of bacterial pneumonia will improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment. With viral pneumonia, which has no specific treatment, it may take a few days. Some symptoms, like dry cough and fatigue, may linger for several weeks.

How long are they contagious?

Pneumonia itself is not contagious, but the respiratory viruses and bacteria that lead to it are contagious. These germs are spread through coughs and sneezes and contact with infected surfaces (such as hands to face, so everyone wash their hands!). 

With bacterial pneumonia, they are no longer considered contagious once their fever is gone* and they have been on antibiotics for at least two days. With viral pneumonia, they are considered contagious until they feel better and have been symptom-free for at least two days. (*Note that less than half of older adults have a fever response, so this may not be an indicator.)

What are some signs they are improving?

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