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

    Related Articles

    Wildfire Smoke Threatens Heart, Lung Health For Months Afterward


    Digital Tool Potentially Predicts Childhood Asthma


    Arizona Resident Dies From Pneumonic Plague


    Search Articles

    Your Nose May Decide How Bad Your Cold Gets, Study Finds

    RFK Jr.-Appointed Vaccine Panel Removes Flu Shot Ingredient

    RFK Jr. Says Fewer Flu Vaccines for Kids May Be a 'Better Thing'

    The Flu Vaccine Can Lower Your Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke — Even If You Wind Up Infected

    They Spent Hours In A Room Full Of Flu Patients And Walked Out Healthy — Here's How

    Scientists' Push For a Universal Vaccine Takes a Key Step Forward