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Pneumonia is an infection which fills the air sacs with fluids, cough-causing phlegm or pus in one or both lungs. A variety of factors cause this condition including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

A common question that people ask is, “Is pneumonia contagious?” The answer is yes, it is contagious. People could contract pneumonia due to environmental factors which they encounter frequently or exposure to a person who has this illness. However, even if a person is exposed to pneumonia-causing germs, their chances of contracting this disease will depend on their health condition, age, and lifestyle.

Here is a list of some pneumonia symptoms that people should know about:

• Early pneumonia symptoms
  In the early stages, symptoms of pneumonia are hard to notice. In some cases, they are so mild that one could misjudge it for a cough or flu. If one faces a loss of appetite, fatigue, clammy skin, over-sweating, severe cough with green or yellow mucus, trouble breathing while climbing stairs or chest pain, they should consult a doctor.
• Symptoms of viral pneumonia
  The symptoms of viral pneumonia are similar to the signs of flu. Headaches, muscle pain, dry cough, and fever are some of the early symptoms of viral pneumonia. If a patient has a high fever and it gets worse within 36 hours or if their lips turn pale and blue, then they should get the help of a doctor immediately.
• Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia
  Bacterial pneumonia usually affects the breathing and pulse rates. The patient’s temperature may reach 105 degrees F, and they may become delirious.
• Pneumonia symptoms in older adults
  Most of the symptoms of pneumonia in adults under the age of 65 are not the same as the ones seen in older adults or seniors. For instance, elderly patients rarely experience a phlegm-ridden cough with high fever which is one of the most common pneumonia symptoms in younger adults. Two of the most important signs of pneumonia among older adults are delirium or confusion along with low body temperature. They may also experience symptoms such as chest pain while coughing or breathing, diarrhea, breathing troubles, vomiting or nausea, tiredness, etc.

As most of the pneumonia symptoms are similar to that of flu and fever, it is better to consult a doctor if you start exhibiting the early symptoms. They might recommend a pneumonia diagnosis if necessary. If you’re still confused, you can search for more information about pneumonia on the internet.