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.

Date Published: 12/03/2015

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