How contagious is pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be contagious if the bacteria and viruses that cause it are transmitted to another person. However, this is rare as the immune system is capable of fighting some of these organisms.

Pneumonia that is caused by viruses is common but bacterial pneumonia mostly affects people over 30 years old, as stated by WebMD. Another cause of pneumonia is fungi. People with poor immune response, alcoholics, flu patients, smokers and elderly people have a higher risk of contracting pneumonia. Taking antibiotics for the infection and avoiding transmission can help control pneumonia. Practicing good hygiene is also required to prevent pneumonia.