Fact sheet

Pneumonia

An infection deep in the lungs, where the tiny air sacs fill with fluid and pus. Bacteria and viruses both cause it. Most healthy adults recover at home, but it can be serious for babies, older people and anyone with heart or lung disease. William Osler called it “the friend of the aged” for a reason.

What it feels like. A cough (dry or with thick phlegm), fever and shivers, breathing faster or getting puffed easily, and sharp chest pain when you breathe in. It often starts as a cold or flu that gets worse instead of better. Older people may have no fever at all: new confusion, a fall or going off their food can be the only clue. Babies and young children may just breathe fast, grunt, or have the skin between their ribs suck in with each breath.

What causes it. The most common bacterial cause is pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae). Viruses such as flu, RSV and COVID-19 cause about half of cases. “Atypical” germs such as mycoplasma cause milder “walking pneumonia”, and Legionella causes Legionnaires’ disease. Inhaling food or drink can cause aspiration pneumonia.

Diagnosis. Usually by your GP listening to your chest and checking your temperature, breathing rate, pulse and oxygen level. A chest X-ray, blood tests or a phlegm test are used when the picture isn’t clear or you’re quite unwell. In Australia, babies, people over 70 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at higher risk, and babies, young children and people over 70 are the most likely to need hospital care.

The pneumonia ladder

Mild and bacterial: antibiotics at home with a check-up in 2 days. Struggling to breathe or confused: hospital. Recovery takes weeks, not days.

  1. Step 1 · Self-careRest, fluids, fever reliefParacetamol or ibuprofen for fever and chest pain, plenty of fluids, and no smoking or vaping. Sit up rather than lying flat if it helps your breathing.
    Works
    Doesn't cure pneumonia, but helps you cope while the infection clears
    Cost
    About $5–10 for paracetamol
    How long
    Until the fever settles
    Watch for
    Getting worse instead of better after 2–3 days: see your GP again.

    Netflix is allowed. Marathons are not.

  2. Step 2 · PrescriptionAntibiotics (usually amoxicillin), if likely bacterialMild pneumonia in adults is usually treated with amoxicillin tablets; doxycycline is added or used instead for some people. Children usually need just 3 days of amoxicillin.
    Works
    Most people with mild pneumonia improve within 2–3 days of starting
    Cost
    Under the $25 PBS co-payment
    How long
    Usually 5 days for adults, longer if slow to improve
    Watch for
    Your GP should check on you within 2 days. Tell them about any penicillin allergy.

    Five days, then done. The pills aren't a lifestyle.

  3. Step 3 · HospitalOxygen, a drip and stronger antibioticsFor low oxygen levels, low blood pressure, confusion, not keeping fluids down, or a frail older person or young baby who's struggling.
    Works
    Oxygen and drip antibiotics while the lungs recover
    Cost
    Free in a public hospital
    How long
    Depends on how unwell you are
    Watch for
    Needing a lot of oxygen or intensive care means more severe pneumonia.

    Nobody wins a prize for staying home with blue lips.

  4. Step 4 · RecoveryEase back in slowlyExpect the fever to go within about a week, but cough, breathlessness and tiredness can take 6 weeks or more to settle.
    Works
    Most people feel back to normal by 6 months
    Cost
    Free
    How long
    Weeks to months
    Watch for
    A cough or breathlessness that isn't clearly improving after 6 weeks needs a review.

    The infection leaves quickly. The tiredness takes the scenic route.

Costs are rough Australian prices in November 2026 and vary by pharmacy and provider. PBS co-payment: $25, or $7.70 with a concession card. Results are typical figures, not promises.

Save your money

Popular, heavily marketed or often asked about, but the evidence is weak or says no.

What you can do

See your GP if

Call 000 for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion or drowsiness, or a baby or child who is working hard to breathe, grunting, or too breathless to feed or talk.

Common questions

Is pneumonia contagious?

The germs that cause it are. Flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcus spread by coughs, sneezes and hands, but most people who catch them don't get pneumonia. Stay home while you have a fever and cover your cough.

What is walking pneumonia?

A casual name for mild pneumonia you can stay on your feet with, often caused by mycoplasma. It still deserves a GP visit: it may need a different antibiotic from the usual one.

Can you have pneumonia without a fever?

Yes. Older people, babies and people with weak immune systems may have no fever. In older people, new confusion, falls or just going off their food can be the first sign.

How long should I take off work?

Usually at least until the fever has gone and you can manage a day without being wiped out, often 1 to 2 weeks. Heavy physical jobs may need longer. Tiredness can linger for months.

Do I need a chest X-ray after pneumonia?

Not routinely. Your GP may suggest a repeat X-ray if symptoms haven't settled after about 6 weeks, or if there's a reason to check the lung underneath, such as heavy smoking.

Do I need antibiotics for pneumonia?

For pneumonia that's likely bacterial, yes, and they work well. About half of cases are thought to be viral, where antibiotics don't help, but doctors often can't tell at first, so they treat to be safe and review in 2 days.

Who can get the pneumococcal vaccine for free?

From 1 July 2026 it's free on the National Immunisation Program for adults 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults from 25, and adults with certain medical conditions, plus babies in the childhood schedule.

Helpful resources

Evidence and more information

Updated 10 November 2026. General education, not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your situation, so talk to your GP or pharmacist.

Related

maladywise.com/pneumonia/