Health Tip: Who Gets Pneumonia?
(HealthDay News) -- Anyone can get pneumonia, but your age and general health are risk factors for the dangerous infection.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says other risk factors include:
Being a child under age 2. The immune systems of young children are still developing.
Being an adult over age 65.
Having asthma, bronchitis or COPD.
Having cystic fibrosis.
Having a weakened immune system.
Having sickle cell anemia, diabetes or heart failure.
Having trouble coughing, following a stroke.
Being in a hospital's intensive care unit, especially if on a ventilator.
Having had the flu recently.
Smoking or alcohol abuse.
