Menu

Close

HomeWhat is pneumonia?What is pneumonia?The symptoms of pneumoniaDifferences between pneumonia, flu, common cold, & COVID-19Diagnosis & treatment of pneumoniaDiagnosis & treatment of pneumoniaPeople's experiences with pneumoniaHow you can help prevent pneumoniaHelping prevent pneumoniaWho is at risk of pneumonia?

Protect Your Hero

We all love and care for our nearest and dearest. Our family members and loved ones are real-life heroes who love and protect us, but they need looking after too. It is important that we do all we can to protect them and their emotional and physical health. 

Pneumonia is a serious problem that can affect anyone.1 Explore this site to learn about the challenges people experience with the illness and how to help prevent your loved ones from getting pneumonia.

Protect your hero. Start by learning today. 

What is pneumonia?

Pronounced nuh·mow·nyuh

Pneumonia is a respiratory illness caused by infection from bacteria, viruses or fungi, which can lead to irritation and inflammation of the lungs.1

Did you know?


During a flu infection, and for up to 1 week after, you are around 100 times more likely to develop pneumonia2
  


Approximately 1 in 5 adults hospitalised with pneumonia in England is under 65 years of age


   Whose your hero?


Pneumonia can affect people for a long time, with fatigue lasting up to 3 months and it taking up to 6 months to get back to normal4   


Every year, up to 1 in 100 adults in the UK develops pneumonia5

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia

Many people may not realise that they have pneumonia because the symptoms vary and are similar to those of the common cold and flu.1

View References
  1. Asthma and Lung UK. What is Pneumonia. Available at: https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/pneumonia/what-is-pneumonia/. Last accessed January 2024.

  2. Shrestha, S., Foxman, B., Berus, J. et al. The role of influenza in the epidemiology of pneumonia. Sci Rep 2015;5:15314

  3. NHS Digital. Hospital Episodes Statistics for England. Hospital Admitted Patient Care Activity, 2022-23. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/hospital-admitted-patient-care-activity/2022-23. Last accessed January 2024.

  4. Asthma + Lung UK. Recovering from Pneumonia. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/pneumonia/recovery. Last accessed January 2024.

  5. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Pneumonia in adults. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs110/resources/pneumonia-in-adults-pdf-75545291391685. Last accessed January 2024.

PP-UNP-GBR-7388 January 2024