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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?

Who is at risk of pneumonia?

Pneumonia can affect anyone and it often occurs during winter months.1 Some people are at more risk of catching pneumonia than others.1 Consider these risk factors:

Age


The incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults starts increasing from the age of 45.2

Long-term medical conditions


Conditions such as cardiovascular (heart) disease, chronic lung, liver or kidney disease, diabetes or a respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can increase your risk.3

Weakened immunity


Weakened immunity can be caused by:3 

  • Asplenia or splenic dysfunction
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Genetic disorders affecting the immune system
  • Chemotherapy
  • Bone marrow transplants
  • HIV (at all stages)

    Smoking


    Stopping smoking reduces the risk of infection​​​​​​.4

    Flu


    During a flu infection and for up to 1 week after, you are around 100 times more likely to develop pneumococcal pneumonia.5

    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. Miller E, Andrews NJ, Waight PA, et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2011;11:760-768.
    3. UK Health Security Agency. The Green Book (published 2013; updated 2023). Chapter 25:
      Pneumococcal. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pneumococcal-the-green-book-chapter-25. Last accessed January 2024.
    4. NHS. Pneumonia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/. Last accessed January 2024.
    5. Shrestha, S., Foxman, B., Berus, J. et al. The role of influenza in the epidemiology of pneumonia. Sci Rep 2015;5:15314
    PP-UNP-GBR-7131  January 2024