When you start noticing a cough, fever, chills, and fatigue, it’s natural to worry. It could be pneumonia, a lung infection that, while treatable, is not to be taken lightly. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Canada has seen an increase of nearly 17% in the number of hospitalizations for pneumonia among 18- to 64-year-olds (17,447 hospitalizations in 2023–2024 compared with 14,937 in 2022–2023). It’s also one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Your health and that of your loved ones is important to us. That’s why we’re here to support you and ensure you know what to do in case of illness. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to treat pneumonia are the first steps in taking care of yourself.
There are a variety of ways to catch pneumonia. Here are the most common.
Pneumonia can be a source of concern, but knowing the risk factors is an important first step in preventing it. Read on to learn more about some of the conditions and lifestyle habits that can make a person more vulnerable to this lung infection.
Here are the main risk factors:
These two diseases are often confused for one another, but they don’t affect the same area. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (the “tubes” that carry air), while pneumonia is a deeper infection that affects the alveoli (the little air sacs at the end of the bronchi). Pneumonia is generally considered to be more severe than bronchitis.
Certain situations can also increase your vulnerability: age, a weakened immune system, smoking, or the presence of a chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease, etc.).
There’s been a lot of talk about COVID-19 in recent years, and it’s natural to wonder about how it’s connected to pneumonia. It’s important to understand that COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and pneumonia is one of its most serious complications. When the virus reaches the lungs, it can cause severe inflammation. The alveoli (little air sacs) can then fill with fluid, leading to viral pneumonia. Often, it’s this complication that causes breathing difficulties and ends up putting people in the hospital.
If you have COVID-19, it’s essential that you keep a close eye on your general condition, especially your breathing, and seek medical advice urgently if you feel short of breath.
Please note that you can now make an appointment for vaccination against the flu and COVID-19 at a Brunet pharmacy near you.
Check out our helpful page to learn how to tell the difference between flu (influenza) and COVID-19.
Is pneumonia contagious?
Yes, pneumonia can be contagious when it’s caused by a virus or bacteria. In these cases, it can be transmitted by respiratory droplets.
This is an important question, especially when it comes to protecting those around you.
You’re generally contagious from shortly before the onset of symptoms through the duration of the illness. It’s important to practise good hygiene to avoid transmission. For example, you should wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and cough or sneeze into your elbow.
The good news is that contagiousness diminishes very rapidly once treatment has begun. In general, once you’ve been taking antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours, you’re no longer considered to be contagious. The best way to care for yourself and your loved ones is to follow the treatment plan prescribed to you.
Pneumonia caused by aspiration or fungi is not contagious.
Signs of a lung infection are not to be taken lightly. We recommend that you seek medical advice promptly if you experience these symptoms:
Yes, and this is important to keep in mind. Especially in young children and the elderly, pneumonia can cause a variety of symptoms, including severe fatigue, sudden confusion, and even digestive trouble. Pay close attention to any change in the person’s general condition.
You may have heard this term before. This is a more subtle form of pneumonia, caused by other types of bacteria. The fever is lower, the cough is often dry, and most of all, you suffer from severe fatigue and headaches. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as “walking pneumonia,” because you can carry on with your day-to-day activities without feeling bedridden. Although it may seem less severe, it’s still a serious infection that requires medical diagnosis and treatment.
During your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. To confirm the diagnosis, a chest X-ray is often required. This will tell your doctor whether there is an infection in your lungs, and help them determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Fortunately, a number of effective treatments exist that target the cause of the infection.
Your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist-owner is here to help. We can advise you on how to manage symptoms, such as a fever and cough, and help you understand the treatment that has been prescribed to you.
With the right treatment, you should start to feel better within a few days. However, a full recovery takes time. It’s normal to feel tired for several weeks after a case of pneumonia. Be patient with your body and resume activities gradually.
The best way to avoid pneumonia-related complications is prevention. A healthy lifestyle habits is a win-win!
Vaccination plays a key role in protecting you. Seasonal flu and pneumococcal vaccines significantly reduce the risk of developing severe pneumonia. They’re strongly recommended for people aged 65 or over, young children, and anyone living with a chronic illness or a weakened immune system.
Your Brunet team will be happy to tell you about the different vaccination services available in pharmacies. No matter your question, we’re here to help.
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Last updated on July 10, 2025
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