Pneumonia can be a very serious and potentially deadly disease if the proper precautions are not taken. When you get sick, rest is required to give your body time to fight off the illness and recover. If you aren't giving your body that time, you can end up with serious complications. Recognizing the cause of your pneumonia can help doctors treat the illness. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause pneumonia.

AFC Urgent Care Stoneham can help treat many different illnesses that aren't life-threatening. Our providers can recommend medications or other physicians to see if you require additional treatment. If you're feeling under the weather, visit our walk-in center today.

Causes of Pneumonia

Bacteria

Bacterial pneumonia is often called pneumococcal pneumonia. It can occur on its own or after another illness, and it occurs in one part of a lung. Those who are more likely to contract bacterial pneumonia are those who are recovering from another illness, those who have just completed surgery, and those with a weakened immune system.

Bacterial pneumonia can also cause different types of pneumonia. This includes what is referred to as "walking" pneumonia, which is a mild case. Chlamydophila pneumoniae commonly causes upper respiratory illnesses and mild cases of typical pneumonia. Lastly, Legionnaire's disease is a severe case of bacterial pneumonia. This is commonly caused by contaminated water and is not spread from person to person.

Since this is caused by bacteria, an antibiotic is the most effective treatment. It's important to finish your entire prescription, as an illness can come back and be even more difficult to treat.

Viruses

COVID-19 and the flu are the two most common viruses that can cause pneumonia. In children and babies, RSV is the most common virus. In most cases, viral pneumonia is not as serious as bacterial pneumonia, and the duration is typically shorter.

Regarding viral pneumonia caused by COVID-19, it can become more severe. This type of viral pneumonia can impact both lungs as opposed to just one. With both lungs full of fluid, it can cause difficulty breathing, and symptoms can last for months.

Viral pneumonia caused by the flu can also be serious in those with previous lung or heart conditions or pregnant women.

Fungi

Lastly, pneumonia caused by fungi is more common in those with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems. It can also be common for those who are exposed to contaminated soil or bird droppings.

If you have HIV/AIDS or have used immune suppression medications, you are at higher risk of developing Pneumocystis pneumoniais.