In order to understand whether or not bacterial pneumonia is contagious, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the illness first. This will make understanding the contagion potential of bacterial pneumonia a good deal easier.
About Bacterial Pneumonia
Here are some basic facts about bacterial pneumonia:
1. Your body’s immune system is typically responsible for keeping bacteria from getting into your lungs. When bacteria is reproduced in the lungs, bacterial pneumonia occurs.
2. Inflammation occurs during bacterial pneumonia, when the lungs begin to fill with fluid.
3. This condition has the capacity to directly interfere with your body’s ability to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen.
4. Bacterial pneumonia differs from acute bronchitis. Although both share similar symptoms (fever, chest pains, persistent coughing, and shortness of breath), bacterial pneumonia is a condition that impacts the alveoli themselves. With acute bronchitis, it is the passages leading to the alveoli that are impacted.
5. This disease is capable of occurring at any age, although certain ages and other conditions can lead to a higher probability of contracting the disease.
6. Factors such as the specific bacteria and the individual’s ability to fight off infections are two of the things that are capable of determining bacterial pneumonia.
7. Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to catch bacterial pneumonia by failing to dress properly for cold weather or by getting stuck in the rain.
These are some of the basic facts that surround this condition. There are others that are worth learning about.
In terms of whether or not bacterial pneumonia is contagious, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. The largest determining factor is the type of bacteria that has caused the infection. Pneumonia is typically contracted when the bacteria that is typically found in the nose or throat makes its way to the lungs. Because of this basic fact, most types of bacterial pneumonia are not terribly contagious. However, it is crucial to remember that there are exceptions to this rule. The two biggest exceptions are pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and tuberculosis. These are both considered to be extremely contagious by medical professionals. This is because the infected droplets that get into the air due to sneezing or coughing can be spread to those who are in close proximity to the individual who is already infected.
Overall, bacterial pneumonia is not a disease known for its capacity to be contagious. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to exercise a certain degree of caution around certain infected individuals.
