Pneumonia

Organism

Pneumonia can be caused by a multitude of organisms including bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. The following reportable organisms may cause pneumonia:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Legionella species
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Measles virus
• Neisseria meningitidis

Transmission

Transmission is dependant upon the pathogen causing the pneumonia. 

Symptoms

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs.  Symptoms of pneumonia may include coughing, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, chills, chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Certain people are more likely to become ill with pneumonia: adults 65 years of age or older, children less than 5 years of age, people who have underlying medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, HIV) and people who smoke cigarettes.

Treatment

Treatment of pneumonia is dependant upon the type of organism causing it. 

Prevention

Good hand hygiene and cough etiquette are essential to preventing pneumonia. Remember to:

• Wash your hands often - Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner
• Cover your cough - Use a disposable tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze  
• Contain germs – Avoid people who are sick.  Stay home when you are sick!           
 

There are several vaccines against pathogens that can cause pneumonia. These vaccines include:

• Pneumococcal
• Haemophilius influenza type B (Hib)
• Influenza
• Measles

Recent Texas Trends:

Pneumonia is not a reportable condition in Texas. However, many pathogens that are reportable in Texas can cause pneumonia.