Is Pneumonia Contagious in Kids

Pneumonia is a respiratory disease where the lung parenchyma (excluding the bronchi) get inflamed due to bacteria, virus or any other irritant. This is one of the severe respiratory diseases experienced by people all over the world. People of any age group can contract pneumonia, and it is also commonly found among children under 5 years of age. Let us take a look at the causes and symptoms of pneumonia as it will help us understand this disease better.

What Causes Pneumonia?

As mentioned above, pneumonia is caused due to bacteria and virus. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, etc. are some of the pneumonia causing bacteria. On the other hand, the RSV, influenza A and B and Parainfluenza are the virus that cause pneumonia in people. Pneumonia can also occur after viral illnesses like common cold and influenza. One should also note that babies and kids who are malnourished, exposed to cigarette smoke, have low immunity, etc. are at higher risk of contracting pneumonia. Kids who are constantly exposed to crowd and air pollution, who suffer from asthma and other genetic disorders, etc., are also at a high risk of suffering from this condition. Walking pneumonia, one of the milder types of pneumonia, is also commonly found in children.

What are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia are similar to that of other respiratory diseases and disorders. Cough, fever, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc. are some of the symptoms of this condition in children. Symptoms of walking pneumonia in children include sore throat, cough, fever, chills, difficulty in breathing, headache, etc.

Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Firstly, pneumonia, as the disease in itself, is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another. This is applicable in case of both, adults as well as children. On the other hand, it is very essential to know the actual cause of the disease, as the disease causing pathogen that can be contagious. For e.g., the bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae is contagious, and it can be transmitted from one person to the other through direct contact. Secondly, common cold or influenza, which can lead to pneumonia, are also contagious. It should be noted that if the other person has a strong immune system and is healthy, he may not contract pneumonia at all.

Note that pneumonia can remain contagious for one week to a couple of days over it. Some types of pneumonia remain contagious until they are completely cured. So, then arises the question, is pneumonia contagious after taking antibiotics? Yes, the disease can be contagious for up to 2-3 days after starting the course of antibiotics. It is essential to identify the symptoms and commence the treatment immediately to reduce the period of contagion.

There are several treatment methods that help in treatment of this condition. In case it is caused due to bacteria, one may require antibiotics for its treatment. On the other hand, medications are not used to treat pneumonia caused due to virus. In case of viral pneumonia, complete rest and drinking lot of fluids may be advised. Although there are effective treatment methods to treat this respiratory disease, one should follow precautionary methods to prevent this disease. Firstly, it is advised to keep kids away from anyone suffering from pneumonia. Secondly, kids should be encouraged to follow cleanliness and hygiene methods to prevent contracting infectious diseases.

Lastly, one should remember that this disease can be successfully treated if symptoms are identified and timely treatment is undertaken. Take care!