myths, misconceptions and beliefs of pneumonia

1. Pneumonia is just a bad cold.

Truth: The common cold is caused by a virus and typically does not require urgent medical care. In fact, self-care may be enough. Pneumonia is a bacterial infection in the lungs, which is more serious and requires treatment.

2. You can get pneumonia if you don’t wear a coat outside when it’s cold.

Truth: Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, or possibly fungi.

3. Standing near a drafty window or going out with wet hair can give you pneumonia.

Truth: When you are cold, your body may possibly be less able to fight off infection and other illnesses, but the weather is not a direct cause of pneumonia.

4. Pneumonia is an infection within one person. It’s not contagious.

Truth: You can catch pneumonia sometimes, but it depends on what kind of pneumonia it is. Bacterial and viral infections can be spread from person to person, but fungal pneumonia cannot.

5. Pneumonia only affects older individuals.

Truth: Pneumonia can affect people of any age. However, older age is a significant risk factor, which is why people over the age of 65 are considered to be at higher risk. The lung infection may also be more serious in seniors because the immune system may be less effective. Infants and young children also are at high risk of getting pneumonia.

6. Pneumonia doesn't affect healthy people.  

Truth: While serious illness and deaths from pneumonia are more common in individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems, pneumonia can affect anyone.

7. It can always be treated with antibiotics

Truth: With many possible causes for pneumonia, treatment could include more than just antibiotics.