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What Is Pneumonia? Australia’s Most Searched Illness Explained Simply

A clear, easy-to-understand guide to pneumonia—its symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention—for everyday Australians.

Author

Joseph P
March 28, 2025

An illustration of the lungs showing areas of infection (in red) caused by pneumonia. Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus, making it hard to breathe. It can affect anyone and ranges from mild to very serious; in fact, pneumonia can be life-threatening for babies, the elderly, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Recently, pneumonia was identified as the most Googled illness in Australia. Below, we explain pneumonia in simple terms – what it is, its symptoms, causes, how it’s treated, and ways to prevent it – in clear language for everyone.

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs. When you have pneumonia, the lung tissue becomes inflamed (swollen), and the air sacs in the lungs (called alveoli) fill up with fluid or pus. This buildup of fluid makes it difficult for oxygen to reach your bloodstream, causing symptoms like cough and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can develop on its own or as a complication of other respiratory infections (for example, a cold or the flu that “goes to the chest”). There are many types of pneumonia – one of the most common is pneumococcal pneumonia, which is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumonia illness can range from mild to severe. Healthy adults with mild pneumonia might recover at home with rest, while severe pneumonia can require hospital care. Certain people are at higher risk of serious pneumonia – this includes infants, young children, adults over about 70 years old, and people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems. (For example, older Australians and those with conditions like diabetes or COPD are more vulnerable to pneumonia complications.) It’s important to monitor pneumonia symptoms closely, especially in higher-risk groups.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia symptoms can vary by person (and tend to be more severe in the very young, the elderly, or those with weakened immunity). Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Fever – a high temperature (over 38 °C)

  • Cough – which may be dry or produce thick mucus/phlegm

  • Shortness of breath – difficulty breathing or feeling breathless

  • Rapid, shallow breathing (panting or fast breaths)

  • Fatigue – feeling very tired or generally unwell (malaise)

  • Loss of appetite – not feeling like eating

  • Chest pain – often a sharp pain that’s worse when taking a deep breath (this is called pleuritic chest pain)

People with pneumonia may also have sweats or chills and muscle aches, and some experience headaches. In more severe cases, or in elderly patients, pneumonia can cause confusion or disorientation. If a person’s oxygen levels drop very low, they might even develop a bluish color around the lips or face (cyanosis) due to lack of oxygen. (Cyanosis is a warning sign – if you notice blue-tinged lips or extreme drowsiness in someone with pneumonia, seek emergency medical care.)

How long do symptoms last? A bout of pneumonia typically starts with symptoms a few days after infection. With treatment, fever and acute symptoms usually improve over about a week, but a cough can last for several weeks even after the infection has cleared. It’s normal to feel tired during recovery, as your body heals the lungs.

Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia happens when germs infect the lungs and the body’s defenses can’t stop them. Many different microorganisms can cause pneumonia. The main types of germs that cause pneumonia are:

  • Bacteria: A variety of bacteria can lead to pneumonia. The most common culprit is Streptococcus pneumoniae, known as the pneumococcal bacteria. Bacterial pneumonia can start after you breathe in bacteria or sometimes after a viral cold or flu weakens your lungs. This form of pneumonia can affect anyone, but tends to be more severe in very young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.

  • Viruses: Many viruses can cause pneumonia by infecting the lungs. Common examples include the influenza virus (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19. Viral pneumonias range from mild to severe – for instance, severe cases of COVID-19 can lead to serious pneumonia. Viruses are thought to cause about half of all pneumonia cases. Often a viral infection (like the flu) can make you more susceptible to a secondary bacterial pneumonia on top of it.

  • Atypical bacteria (Mycoplasma): Another type of pneumonia is caused by mycoplasma bacteria. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a tiny bacterium that causes a usually milder form of pneumonia often referred to as “walking pneumonia” (because many people can still be up and about). Symptoms may be less severe and come on more gradually, but recovery can take longer. Mycoplasma pneumonia is common in older children and young adults, and it can spread in communities (for example, in schools or households).

  • Fungi: Fungal pneumonia is less common. It tends to occur in people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions. Certain fungi present in soil or droppings can be inhaled and cause lung infections. In Australia, fungal pneumonia is rare in healthy individuals, but it can be seen in those undergoing cancer treatment, people with HIV/AIDS, or others with significantly reduced immunity.

Pneumonia is often contagious when caused by infectious germs. The bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia can spread via respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes) or close contact. However, not everyone who catches these germs will develop pneumonia – it might just result in a milder respiratory infection in many people. Pneumonia develops when the germs manage to reach the lungs and the person’s immune system can’t stop the infection. Good hygiene and prompt treatment of illnesses like the flu can help reduce the chance that an infection turns into pneumonia.

Treatment Options for Pneumonia

Medical treatment: The treatment for pneumonia depends on its cause and severity. If bacteria are causing the infection, the main treatment is antibiotics – medicines that kill bacteria. Doctors usually start antibiotics as soon as pneumonia is diagnosed (often even before they know the exact type of bacteria) because prompt treatment can prevent the illness from getting worse. Antibiotics may be given as pills to take at home for mild cases, or via an intravenous drip in the hospital for severe cases. It’s important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better sooner.

For viral pneumonia, antibiotics won’t work because they only kill bacteria, not viruses. In most viral pneumonia cases, the infection just needs to run its course while you rest and recover. Treatment is “supportive”, meaning it focuses on relieving symptoms. Your doctor may recommend rest, plenty of fluids, and fever-reducing medications like paracetamol to keep you comfortable while your immune system fights the virus. (For certain viral infections like influenza, antiviral medications might be used to help shorten the illness, but antivirals are only effective for specific viruses and must be given early.) Most people with viral pneumonia start to improve after a few days to a week as the body clears the virus.

Home care and recovery: Many cases of pneumonia can be managed at home, especially if the person is otherwise healthy. Key steps for recovery include:

  • Rest: It’s crucial to get plenty of rest and sleep to help your body fight the infection. Avoid overexerting yourself. It often helps to sit upright or prop yourself up with pillows when resting, rather than lying flat, to ease your breathing.

  • Stay hydrated: Drink lots of fluids (water, warm tea, soup) to prevent dehydration and to help keep the mucus in your lungs thinner and easier to cough up.

  • Fever and pain relief: You can use medications like paracetamol (or ibuprofen, if appropriate) to reduce fever, ease headaches, and relieve chest pain from coughing. This will help you feel better while you recover.

  • Avoid lung irritants: If you smoke, you should stop smoking – at least while you’re recovering, and ideally for good – as smoking makes it harder for your lungs to heal and fight off infection. Try to stay away from second-hand smoke, dust, fumes, and other irritants. Breathing clean, humidified air (for example, using a humidifier or breathing steam from a hot shower) may help soothe your lungs.

  • Follow the doctor’s instructions: Take all prescribed medications (such as antibiotics) exactly as directed. If you were given a device like an inhaler or told to do breathing exercises, use them as instructed. In some cases after severe pneumonia, a doctor might recommend physiotherapy or breathing exercises to help clear remaining mucus from the lungs.

When is hospital treatment needed? More severe pneumonia may need treatment in a hospital. You might be hospitalized if you have trouble breathing, have very low oxygen levels, are dehydrated, or if you are in a high-risk group (such as a very young child or an elderly person) and the pneumonia is severe. In the hospital, doctors can give you oxygen therapy if needed and monitor your breathing. You may receive fluids and antibiotics through a vein (IV drip), and nurses will keep track of your vital signs (like oxygen levels and heart rate). Hospital staff can also react quickly if complications arise. Babies, young children, people over 70, and those with other serious health conditions are more likely to require hospital care for pneumonia, as are anyone whose condition is rapidly worsening despite initial treatment.

Most people start to improve with appropriate treatment. Recovery times can vary: a generally healthy adult might see significant improvement within 7 to 10 days, while older adults or those with weaker immunity might take longer to recover fully. It’s normal for the cough to linger for weeks after the infection has cleared – this happens as the inflamed airways slowly heal. Even after you feel better, it’s wise to take it easy for a while; pushing yourself too hard too soon after pneumonia can delay your recovery. Always follow up with your GP (general practitioner) if you’re not improving after a few days of treatment, or sooner if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.

Prevention: How to Reduce Your Risk

The saying "prevention is the best medicine" certainly applies to pneumonia. There are several steps you can take to prevent pneumonia or reduce your chances of getting it:

  • Get vaccinated: Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent pneumonia. The most important vaccine for pneumonia is the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae (the common bacterial cause of pneumonia). In Australia, this vaccine is part of the routine immunisation schedule for children and is recommended for others at high risk. If you're eligible, you can get the pneumococcal vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program. It’s given to infants (as a series of doses) and is also free for adults over 70, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50, and people with certain medical risk factors. Talk to your doctor to see if you need this vaccine. In addition, annual flu shots are strongly advised – influenza can often lead to pneumonia as a complication, so preventing the flu can prevent some pneumonias. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is also important, since viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can cause severe pneumonia in some cases. Vaccines train your immune system to fight off these infections before they can turn into pneumonia.

  • Practice good hygiene: Pneumonia-causing germs are often spread person-to-person, so hygiene is key. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public places. Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when soap isn’t available. Try to avoid close contact with people who have cold or flu symptoms – and if you’re sick, keep your distance from others as much as possible to avoid spreading germs. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, then wash your hands. Good hygiene and cough etiquette reduce the chance of viruses and bacteria entering your lungs or spreading to others.

  • Don’t smoke: Smoking damages the natural defenses in your lungs. The chemicals in cigarette smoke harm the tiny hairs (cilia) that help clear germs out of your airways. This makes smokers much more susceptible to respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your lung health – it will lower your risk of getting pneumonia, and if you do get sick, you’ll likely recover faster than if you continued smoking. Avoiding second-hand smoke is important too, especially for children. There are many resources available to help people quit smoking; talk to your doctor or call services like Quitline for support.

  • Keep your immune system strong: A healthy lifestyle helps your body fight off infections. Eat a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to get the vitamins and minerals your immune system needs. Get regular exercise, which can improve your overall health and lung function. Make sure you get enough sleep, as sleep is when your body repairs itself and strengthens immunity. Managing stress is also beneficial for immune function. By staying healthy, you give yourself a better chance to resist infections that could cause pneumonia. If you have chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), keep them under good control with the help of your healthcare provider – this can reduce the risk of those conditions making you more prone to pneumonia.

  • Prevent respiratory infections: Pneumonia often follows on the heels of a cold or flu. So, doing your best to avoid catching respiratory infections in the first place will help prevent pneumonia. Besides vaccines and hygiene, this includes simple measures like avoiding crowded indoor gatherings during peak cold and flu season (if you’re at high risk), wearing a mask in public when respiratory illnesses are circulating widely (as we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic), and maintaining good ventilation in your home. If you do catch a cold or the flu, take care of yourself – rest, hydrate, and consider seeing a doctor if it’s the flu – to reduce the chances of it progressing to pneumonia.

When to Seek Medical Help

Pneumonia is a serious illness, so don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you suspect you or someone in your care has pneumonia. Early medical attention can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes. While most people recover well from pneumonia with proper treatment, it should always be taken seriously. See a GP (doctor) if you have a cough, fever, or breathing difficulty that is getting worse or not improving after a common cold or flu. A doctor can listen to your chest, possibly do a chest X-ray, and determine if it’s pneumonia and if you need specific treatment.

Watch for warning signs. You should seek medical help urgently if you experience any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath while at rest or with minimal activity

  • Very high fever (for example, above 39 °C) or persistent fever that doesn’t come down with normal measures

  • Chest pain that is severe or worsening, especially if it hurts to breathe in

  • Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or dizziness (feeling like you might faint)

  • Blue or grey tinge to the lips, face, or fingernails (a sign of low oxygen)

If you are having serious trouble breathing, or if you observe blueish lips or confusion, treat it as an emergency. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department immediately. These symptoms can indicate dangerously low oxygen levels or a spreading infection that needs urgent care. In Australia, paramedics and emergency doctors are well equipped to give oxygen and start treatment for severe pneumonia on the spot.

For most people, pneumonia is treatable – especially if addressed early. By knowing the symptoms to look out for and getting medical care when needed, you can greatly improve the chances of a full recovery. Stay informed, take preventive steps to protect your lungs, and always consult healthcare professionals for advice if you're unwell. With the right care, even Australia’s most searched illness can be managed and overcome in time.

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