We differentiate between the types of pneumonia depending on the setting for the infection. Pneumonia that occurs in the community is called “Community Acquired Pneumonia” or CAP. This is different from pneumonia that occurs within the hospital setting (nosocomial). The third setting is a pneumonia that occurs in other types of health-care facilities such as nursing homes, rest homes, dialysis centers etc.

Why should it matter? Well the treatment will differ greatly.  Infections that occur in the hospital setting can be resistant to antibiotics and will require aggressive treatment often with multiple antibiotics.

Pneumonia is not caused by just one bacteria. In fact, it can be caused by different kinds of bacteria, as well as viruses and fungus. There are certain clues as to the underlying pathogen and the antibiotic chosen is based on the most likely cause.

Symptoms cover everything from fever, chills, cough, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue and muscle pain. If you’ve ever had the flu, you’ll recognize that these symptoms can be the same so it’s not always easy to diagnose. X-rays may be normal during the first few days of symptoms as well as blood tests. That’s why your provider may decide to treat you for pneumonia given your symptoms and clinical exam rather than wait for tests.

For the average, healthy person appropriately treated, symptoms resolve in about 7 to 10 days – but don’t expect to be back to your baseline activities. Many people complain of fatigue for up to a month afterwards and a cough can last for weeks after the infection has cleared up.

How well you recover will depend on your age, how severe your symptoms were to start with and any co-existing illnesses you have. If you have any concerns, be sure to see your provider.

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