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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that triggers inflammation in the lung’s air sacs. You should always visit the doctor for treatment if you have pneumonia. However, people in high-risk groups or those with severe illness should go to the emergency room.

Pneumonia Symptoms

If you have pneumonia, you’ll likely experience numerous symptoms. Common signs of pneumonia include:

  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Shallow, rapid breathing
  • Chest pain that increases when coughing or breathing
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Go to the Emergency Room With These Signs of Pneumonia

You should go to the emergency room for pneumonia if:

  • Your infant or young child is sick.
  • You are over the age of 65.
  • You are immunocompromised.
  • You have a pre-existing medical condition.

Also, everyone should visit the emergency room if they have:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Productive cough with pus or blood
  • High fever that won’t break
  • Severe chest pain
  • Significant dizziness
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Bluish lips, fingernails, or skin

Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Bacterial and viral pneumonia are both contagious. If someone else breathes the virus or bacteria into the lungs, they can develop pneumonia. When a fungus causes pneumonia, it isn’t contagious.

Getting the Pneumonia Vaccine

Children under the age of two and adults 65 and over are at the highest risk of severe illness and death from pneumonia. The CDC recommends that both groups get the pneumonia vaccine. In addition, others might need the vaccine based on their risk factors. Speak to your physician if you think that you need the pneumonia vaccine. You can also talk to an emergency room doctor about the vaccine when coming in for treatment

Pneumonia Treatment

If you have mild pneumonia, you can treat it at home. You’ll need to:

  • Reduce your fever with over-the-counter medications.
  • Drink fluids.
  • Use a humidifier and drink warm beverages to open up your inflamed airways.
  • Avoid smoke.
  • Rest.

If you have severe pneumonia, you might be admitted to the hospital. Your treatment might include:

  • Intravenous fluids
  • Antibiotics
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Breathing treatments

If you are in a high-risk group for serious illness or have significant symptoms, visit UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care today. We are open seven days a week and 24 hours a day and will provide the urgent care you need.

Our Emergency & Urgent Care Centers are open 24/7 to treat pneumonia