Respiratory infections

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a common lung infection that can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. It causes the small air sacs in the lungs to become swollen and fill with fluid, making it harder to breathe.  

Babies, older adults, people living with lung disease, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk. A weakened immune system makes it harder to fight infections and can be caused by many conditions and treatments, including some cancer treatments.

What causes pneumonia?

• Viruses are the most common cause. Influenza viruses, the COVID-19 virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and common cold viruses can all cause pneumonia.  
• Several types of bacteria also cause pneumonia. One type of bacteria, called Streptococcus pneumoniae, can cause pneumococcal disease. This disease can cause serious pneumonia.  
• Fungi (like moulds) are also a cause. This is less common. People with weakened immune systems or advanced lung disease are at the highest risk.

These viruses, bacteria and fungi can cause pneumonia when they infect the lungs. They may be breathed in or spread from the nose or throat into the lungs. Pneumonia caused by bacteria can happen after you have had a virus, such as flu (influenza). The virus can make it easier for bacteria to infect the lungs.

Symptoms 

Symptoms vary depending on your age, your health, and the type of pneumonia. If you start to recover from a cold or flu but then develop a worsening cough, fever, shortness of breath or chest pain, you could have pneumonia. Seek medical advice promptly.  

If you have trouble breathing, go to your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000).   

Symptoms can include: 

• Fever 
• Cough 
• Shortness of breath
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue) 
• Chest pain 
• Confusion in older adults 

Diagnosis and treatment 

To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your chest. They may also arrange a chest X-ray or blood tests.  

Treatment will depend on your age, your health, and the type of pneumonia, and can include: 

• Rest 
• Medicines to relieve pain or fever 
• Antibiotics (if the pneumonia is caused by bacteria) 
• Hospital care, which may include fluids through a drip and oxygen 

Prevention 

Ways to reduce your risk of pneumonia include: 

• Having the vaccines recommended for you 
• Limiting close contact with people who have coughs and colds 
• Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco smoke 
• Managing long-term health conditions 

An influenza vaccine every year is recommended for most people. COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccines (see below) are also recommended for certain groups.  

People who smoke are more likely to get pneumonia than people who do not. One reason for this is that smoke damages the lungs’ natural cleaning system. This system can recover after quitting. Quitting can be challenging, but support is available. 

Managing long-term health conditions can also reduce the risk of pneumonia. For people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis, following your COPD Action Plan or Bronchiectasis Action Plan is an important part of staying well.  

Pneumococcal vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine is commonly called the ‘pneumonia vaccine’ because it helps protect against one type of pneumonia. Children have 3 to 4 doses of pneumococcal vaccine. For adults, one dose (one injection) is recommended for: 

• Non-Indigenous people aged 65 and over (the vaccine is free) 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25 and over (free) 
• People with some medical conditions aged 18 and over, including: 
  • People with bronchiectasis, COPD, or cystic fibrosis (free) 
  • People with severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, or diabetes (not free) 
  • People having chemotherapy or radiotherapy for lung cancer (not free) 

If you are in these groups and received a pneumococcal vaccine before July 2026, you should have another dose. This is because there is a new vaccine that protects against more strains of the bacteria than the old vaccines. You need to wait one year after you received an old vaccine to receive the new one. 

Talk to your doctor about what vaccines are right for you. If a vaccine is not free for you, you can still purchase it. Lung Foundation Australia will continue asking government for free vaccines for everyone recommended to have them.  

Recovery from pneumonia 

Recovery from pneumonia can take time. Getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, and managing pain or fever with medicines can help. 

People living with lung disease may take several months to recover. Follow your healthcare team’s advice and contact them if your symptoms worsen or your recovery is taking longer than expected. Watch this video to learn more about supporting your recovery.