Can you catch pneumonia? Can you catch pneumonia from living in the same house? What should be done in such a situation to avoid accidental contamination? The question is answered by the drug. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski.
Can you catch pneumonia?
Hello, I have two children (4 and 7 years old). My mother, who we live with, fell ill with pneumonia. There is no need for her to stay in the hospital. Doctors prescribed antibiotics and mom z pneumonia is at home. Coughs a lot and generally feels very bad, although I can see that the antibiotics are a bit better than before. I have a question regarding contagiousness of pneumonianamely, is pneumonia contagious?
I do not allow children to visit their mother, although they would love to hang out with their grandmother. The 4-year-old’s son goes to kindergarten and so gets minor colds, and the 7-year-old daughter has recently recovered from bronchitis. However, I wonder if my children get pneumonia if we live in the same house. We have no way of taking the children to their other grandparents while my mother is ill. Therefore, I am asking for help and advice on how to act in such a situation. I have to look after my sick mother, but I am also worried about the children and I don’t know what to do anymore. Please help, is pneumonia contagious?
The doctor explains the contagiousness of pneumonia
Madam, pneumonia is most often caused by pathogenic microorganisms, so you can get infected. Of course, I mean infection with a pathogen and not a disease, because the fact that a patient suffering from pneumonia infects another family member does not immediately mean that this person will also get sick, in this case the immune system is of great importance. If your mother has received an antibiotic, it means that a bacterial cause of the disease is suspected. The most common bacteria causing pneumonia in adults can cause other diseases as well, including sinusitis and otitis.
The isolation of the mother from the rest of the household is recommended, not only so that the children do not get infected, but also so that the patient is not exposed to other potential pathogenic microorganisms. It is a pity that you did not write what antibiotic was prescribed and how many days the patient has been taking it. Correctly selected antibiotic significantly reduces the risk of transmission of pathogens. Unfortunately, it is impossible to fully protect anyone from falling ill, especially if you live in the same house.
That is why prophylaxis is so important, i.e. avoiding contact with a sick person, healthy eating and proper dress. If you notice disturbing symptoms in yourself or your children, including fever, cough or shortness of breath, please see a doctor immediately and, of course, inform that a sick family member is at home.
– Lek. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski
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