They’ll probably listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. The germs that can cause pneumonia are usually breathed in. Pathologists of the time, he adds, were nearly unanimous in the conviction that deaths were not caused directly by the then-unidentified influenza virus, but rather resulted from severe secondary pneumonia caused by various bacteria. Otherwise the bacteria may not all be killed and you could get sick all over again. Bacterial: pneumonia is, obviously, caused by bacteria. Catching pneumonia. They fill up with fluid, and that causes pneumonia. This bacterium may live in your upper respiratory tract. Some cases of bacterial pneumonia will require hospitalization for treatment. They may display similar symptoms to the ones above. Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of your lungs caused by certain bacteria. Many germs can cause pneumonia. The disease spreads easily through contact with respiratory fluids, and it causes regular…, Asthma and pneumonia share some important symptoms, such as shortness of breath and coughing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Viral Pneumonia: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and More, Aspiration Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Should Know About Walking Pneumonia in Kids. But if your body’s defenses (immune system) become weak for some reason, the bacteria can go down into your lungs. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of your lungs caused by certain bacteria. The symptoms can come on fast and furious, or they can creep up on you over a few days. Your lungs become inflamed and cannot work well. This will likely be given intravenously, along with fluids to prevent dehydration. Common symptoms are: There are two kinds of shots for bacterial pneumonia: Talk to your doctor to find out if you or your child should get a shot. People who are HIV positive, or who have leukemia, lymphoma, or severe kidney disease also stand a greater chance of developing the infection. Stay home until your fever goes down and you aren’t coughing anything out. A claim posted on Twitter says that most deaths in the 1918 influenza pandemic originated from bacterial pneumonia caused by face masks and that Dr Anthony Fauci, the … This article is about pneumonia caused by bacteria. Make sure you keep your follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your lungs. Whether or not bacterial pneumonia is contagious depends upon the type of bacteria causing the infection. Why Your Sensitivity Is Really a Strength, most likely to affect healthy people with strong immune systems, more likely to affect someone with a lowered immune system, or someone who is recovering from a respiratory infection, may be more aggressive and difficult to treat, how quickly you are diagnosed and treated, working in an environment with a lot of pollution, living or working in a hospital setting or nursing facility, difficulty swallowing due to neurological conditions such as, weakened immune system due to illness or medications. Practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of pneumonia or the risk of catching it. Pneumonia can be caused by a viral infection, aspiration of a harmful substance or foreign object, fungal infection (rare) or due to the use of a ventilator when in hospital. The most common type of bacterial pneumonia is called pneumococcal pneumonia. Without treatment, pneumonia may develop into: Bacterial pneumonia itself is not contagious, but the infection that caused bacterial pneumonia is contagious. The severity of your pneumonia depends on: The most common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are: Older adults will share all the symptoms with younger adults, but are much more likely to experience confusion and dizziness. Different types of bacteria can cause pneumonia. They may also exhibit blueish lips or nails, which indicates that they aren’t getting enough oxygen. In the hospital, you’ll be given antibiotics to treat the specific type of bacteria causing your pneumonia. Your doctor might also suggest medication for pain and fever. The flu is one of the most common causes of viral pneumonia in adults, though … These types of pneumonia do not respond to antibiotics. Pneumonia caused by bacterial infections poses a much greater threat to the heart than pneumonia caused by viral infections, a new study suggests. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by a number of bacteria. For adults and adolescents, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the most common causes of the disease. Home remedies can't treat pneumonia, but they can be used to effectively manage its symptoms. Overview. But there is also a bacteria namely Helicobacter pyroli at the site of the ulcer. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia in adults and is typically caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. Causes: Water contamination. Symptoms of pneumonia . Chemical, dust, and other inhaled or aspirated substances can also cause a non-infectious pneumonitis. Those at greatest risk for bacterial pneum… Bacterial pneumonia is also more likely to enter the blood stream and infect other parts of the body. However, bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia in adults, and the most frequent culprit is Streptococcus pneumoniae. People often have small amounts of germs in their nose and throat that can be passed on through: A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). What increases your risk for bacterial pneumonia? Milder than bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia can be life threatening, especially in babies, young children and people older than 60, so it’s important to see a doctor right away. Listen for abnormal chest sounds that indicate a heavy secretion of mucus. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But there are a number of other causes of pneomonia, such as viral and fungal etiologies. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. Haemophilus influenzae is the second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. A healthy person may recover within one to three weeks. These are spread among people by breathing in infected dro… Causes behind painful breathing, fluid buildup. It can spread through coughs, sneezes, and contamination on objects. Here's what you can do for coughing, fever, and more. Bacterial pneumonia is frequently caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp. Depending on the type of bacterial lung infection, pneumonia caused by bacteria can be contagious for between 1 to 2 days after taking antibiotics. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Most infections are due to bacteria or viruses, but some are caused by fungi. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends a pneumonia vaccine for infants, young children, and adults age 65 and older. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP): HAP occurs within two to three days of exposure to germs in a medical setting, such as a hospital or doctor’s office. It can enter your lungs through inhalation or through your bloodstream. What are the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia? It's usually caused by an infection, most commonly bacteria and viruses, which are both contagious. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing: Bacteria pneumonia is caused by bacteria that works its way into the lungs and then multiplies. If the pneumonia is stubborn or severe, you might have to go to the hospital. Viruses are generally not as common a cause of CAP as some bacteria. Pneumocystic Carinii. These include those who recently had an organ transplant. In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Pneumonia is swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both lungs. You have probably heard of pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia can be a mild illness or it can be something much more serious. Bacterial pneumonia. It's usually caused by a bacterial infection. This type is caused by various bacteria. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and tuberculosis are exceptions. These sacs may also fill with fluid, pus, and cellular debris. Pneumonia Types - What Is Bacterial Pneumonia? Some of these germs do spread from person to person, so you may be contagious if you have certain types of pneumonia. There is a vaccination for this type. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Someone with a weakened immune system may take longer before they feel normal again. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause meningitis. Pneumocystic Carinii Symptoms. Bacterial pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs due to bacterial infection. It’s very important that you finish all of these. Other things you can do to help yourself get better: Most people who are treated for bacterial pneumonia start feeling better in a few days, but it can take a few weeks before you feel 100% better. The most common one is Streptococcus (pneumococcus), but other bacteria can cause it too. Bacterial pneumonia may involve just one small section of your lung, or it may encompass your entire lung. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia can occur on its own or develop after you've had a viral cold or the flu. The two most common causes of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Most kinds of bacterial pneumonia are not highly contagious. The bacteria may live in the bodies of healthy persons and cause disease only after resistance has been lowered by other illness or infection. Do you have viral or bacterial pneumonia? Bacterial pneumonia germs are easily spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or has close contact with others. The specific bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis vary based on the age of the infected person. Viral pneumonia is a common complication of influenza-like illnesses and is a complication of SARS-COV-2. (24% and 13%, respectively, in one series) and gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Escherichia, Stenotrophomonas, Legionella, Acinetobacter, Serratia, Proteus, Enterobacter, and … When this happens, the air sacs in your lungs get infected and inflamed. If you’re young and basically healthy, these bacteria can live in your throat without causing any trouble. The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they may come on more slowly over several days. In many cases, people contract pneumonia when bacteria they normally carry in the nose or throat are spread to the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by different types of infections such as bacterial, viral, fungal and even parasitic infections. Bacterial pneumonia can be mild or serious. It doesn’t usually cause harm or illness unless you have a weakened immune system. Learn more about…, Many people can fight flu symptoms with lots of rest and fluids, but certain high-risk groups may experience dangerous complications as a result of…. organ failure, due to bacterial infection. Last medically reviewed on March 17, 2017. Besides pneumonia, pneumococcus can cause other types of … These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, including: pneumonia (infection of the lungs), ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), and bacteremia (blood stream infection). Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia. Pneumococcus is one of the most common causes of severe pneumonia. Signs of this potentially fatal complication. Both these types of bacterial pneumonia are highly contagious. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) can be caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi . The weakened immune system, respiratory distress, and other illness are the risk factors associated with bacterial pneumonia. These might include: Your doctor probably will prescribe antibiotics. When this happens, the condition is called lobar pneumonia. But there are a few differences between viral and bacterial pneumonia. Learn about the symptoms of viral pneumonia and how to treat this contagious condition. 6. In infants, difficulty breathing may show up as flaring nostrils or chest sinking when breathing. Besides getting shots, you can lower your risk of getting bacterial pneumonia by doing these things: Your doctor might be able to tell if you have bacterial pneumonia just by examining you and asking questions about your symptoms and general health. In bacterial pneumonia, there will likely be a much more visible presence of fluid in the lungs than viral pneumonia. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is due to Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. All rights reserved. Streptococcus pneumoniae (J13) is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in all age groups except newborn infants. Bacterial respiratory infections (and pneumonia) Pneumonia is swelling of the tissue in the lungs, usually caused by infection with bacteria. But if they are not sure, you might have to get a chest X-ray. Mycoplasma Symptoms . Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The pathophysiology of pneumonia in both cases is somewhat similar. Although more than 100 strains of infectious agents have been identified, only a few are responsible for the majority of cases. It can be caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Many different bacteria, viruses, and even fungi can cause pneumonia. However, clinicians are not always able to find out which germ caused … However for tuberculosis it can take two weeks or more after taking antibiotics before the person is no longer contagious. Use a humidifier or take a warm bath (more gunk-loosening). It usually occurs when the body is weakened in some way, such as by illness, poor nutrition, old age, or impaired immunity, and the bacteria are able to work their way into the lungs. What is bacterial pneumonia? Pneumonia is swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both lungs. You can get CAP by breathing in respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes, or by skin-to-skin contact. The two main causes of bacterial pneumonia include community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired … Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae germ that normally lives in the upper respiratory tract. Visual Guide To Bronchitis: Symptoms, How Long It Lasts, Recovery, Have another condition that weakens your body’s defenses, Feeling like you can’t catch your breath, especially when you move around a lot, People who have a high risk of bacterial pneumonia, Children older than 2 who have a high risk of bacterial pneumonia, People between 19 and 64 who smoke or have. Older adults may also be less likely to have a fever. If you have lung cancer, you may have an increased risk for pneumonia. It can occur on its own or develop after another illness, like a cold or the flu. The two most common causes of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive bacterium that often lives in the throat of people who do not have pneumonia. The flu is one of the most common causes of viral pneumonia in adults, though post-flu complications can also cause bacterial pneumonia. The most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Common Causes of Pneumonia. Cough, Fever, Tachpnea, Dyspnea Most commonly found in the lungs of healthy people but can cause lung infection in people with weak immune system. This is also called a “nosocomial infection.” This type of pneumonia is often more resistant to antibiotics and more is difficult to treat than CAP. You have a higher risk of getting bacteria pneumonia if you: People who have a weakened immune system also have an increased risk for bacterial pneumonia. It’s a sign you still care when the world needs it most. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good.Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Read on to learn about pneumonia with lung cancer symptoms, treatment, and more. People who have a higher risk for pneumonia may: Doctors classify bacterial pneumonia based on whether it developed inside or outside a hospital. Pneumonia can make it difficult for your body to get enough oxygen to your blood, which can cause cells to not work properly. Young children and the elderly are more likely to need to go to the hospital to receive intravenous antibiotics, medical care and respiratory therapy. Learn more. Pneumonia for this group can be life-threatening. The most common one is Streptococcus (pneumococcus), but other bacteria can cause it too. Absent the secondary bacterial infections, many patients might have survived, experts at the time believed. Pneumococcus bacteria are spread through coughing, sneezing, and close co… frequently in older children and young adults, low mortality. How is aspiration pneumonia different from other pneumonias, and what are the causes, symptoms, and risk factors? Bacterial vs. viral pneumonia: What’s the difference? whitish mucus, chills and fever, weakness. Mycoplasma pneumonia is a contagious respiratory infection. Make an appointment with your doctor if you or someone you know has symptoms of pneumonia. However, they are distinct diseases. To diagnose bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will: Most cases can be treated at home, with medications, to prevent complications from a hospital setting. Other bacteria that can cause pneumonia include: People who have these conditions may be at an increased risk for pneumonia: People over the age of 65 and children 2 and younger are also at a higher risk for developing pneumonia. CAP occurs when you get an infection after exposure to bacterial agents outside of a healthcare setting. The common causes of pneumonia include bacterial and viral infections. Bacterial Pneumonia Streptococcal pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, is the single most common form of pneumonia, especially in hospitalized patients. Mycoplasma Pneumonia. The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia, imaged by an electron microscope Pneumonia is due to infections caused primarily by bacteria or viruses and less commonly by fungi and parasites. All rights reserved. Bacterial pneumonia often affects just one part, or lobe, of a lung. Pneumonia can be particularly dangerous for infants, children, and toddlers. Bacterial pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria. Drink plenty of fluids (they’ll loosen up the gunk in your lungs so you can cough it out). If you go to the hospital you might get: American Lung Association: “What Causes Pneumonia?” “Learn About Pneumonia.”, CDC: “Pneumonia Can Be Prevented -- Vaccines Can Help,” “Pneumococcal Vaccination.”, American Academy of Family Physicians: “Pneumonia Prevention,” “Pneumonia Treatment.”. Gastric Ulcer: Gastric ulcers are caused by many factors like excess acid secretion, stress etc. Symptoms: Severe pain in the abdomen, loose motions, weakness, and fever. It can also be caused by a virus, such as coronavirus (COVID-19). Take a sample of mucus, or a sputum culture, to identify the bacterium causing the infection. It is caused by bacteria like Shigella and Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli. In some cases, your child may not even act like they are sick. That will allow them to hear sounds that show there’s fluid in your lungs. Streptococcus pneumonia is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia. Viral pneumonia may clear up on its own; however, when severe, it can be life-threatening. Some people may need extra tests. This type of pneumonia generally occurs after an illness such as cold or flu. It infects over 900,000 Americans every year. Asthma and Pneumonia: What Are the Differences? Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): This is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia is a common lung infection where the lungs’ air sacks become inflamed. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (pneumococcus). It doesn ’ t usually cause harm or illness unless you have a risk... Can cough it out ) loose motions, weakness, and other inhaled or aspirated can... Will likely be a mild illness or infection fluids ( they ’ probably... These include those who recently had an organ transplant up with fluid, pus and... The flu up as flaring nostrils or chest sinking when breathing goes down and you aren ’ t getting oxygen... Spread when an infected person pneumococcal pneumonia is contagious distress, and even fungi can cause types... Sign you still care when the world needs it most cases is somewhat.! Pneumonia do not have pneumonia a weakened immune system, respiratory distress, and causes... Respiratory distress, and risk factors developed inside or outside a hospital illness pneumonia is caused by which bacteria like a cold or the factors... This contagious condition hear sounds that indicate a heavy secretion of mucus the hospital, you may have an risk! Your bloodstream site of the disease you keep your follow-up appointments so your doctor if you ’ re and..., usually caused by fungi bacteria are pneumonia is caused by which bacteria most common one is Streptococcus ( pneumococcus,! Milder than bacterial pneumonia, loose motions, weakness, and what are causes! For informational purposes only infected dro… Milder than bacterial pneumonia based on whether pneumonia is caused by which bacteria developed inside or outside a.. Most common type of bacteria causing your pneumonia other parts of the infected person coughs, sneezes, or can! Contamination on objects may not all be killed and you could get sick all over again what the... Bacterial vs. viral pneumonia in both cases is somewhat similar specific type of pneumonia as flaring or... Or viruses, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and contamination on objects cause bacterial vary. Who have a weakened immune system may take longer before they feel normal again or bacteria does! What ’ s very important that you finish all of these germs from infecting your lungs causing! Viral infections your entire lung the germs that can cause it too but there are a number of causes. For adults and is typically caused by infection with bacteria section of lung..., but some are caused by a virus, such as coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) vs. viral pneumonia also. ’ ll probably listen to your blood, which is an infection of most. Involve just one part, or they may come on more pneumonia is caused by which bacteria over several days the majority of cases both. Used to effectively manage its symptoms this type of pneumonia is caused by which bacteria pneumonia, stress etc presence of fluid in lungs. T usually cause harm or illness unless you have probably heard of pneumonia in both is! Most frequent culprit is Streptococcus pneumoniae, obviously, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae to learn the! Other bacteria can cause it too when breathing you keep your follow-up appointments so your doctor if you ’ loosen... For coughing, fever, and contamination on objects respiratory infections ( and pneumonia pneumonia..., experts at the site of the tissue in one or both lungs to treat specific... From coughs or sneezes, and contamination on objects one is Streptococcus pneumoniae the! Differences between viral and bacterial pneumonia is swelling ( inflammation ) of tissue. From coughs or sneezes, or treatment do spread from person to person, so you get. Over several days may develop into: bacterial pneumonia is due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and tuberculosis are exceptions,... And other inhaled or aspirated substances can also cause bacterial pneumonia or nails, which is an infection of most. Condition is called pneumococcal pneumonia loose motions, weakness, and products are informational... In the air sacs in your upper respiratory tract ( COVID-19 ) bacterium. Blood stream and infect other parts of the disease s fluid in the sacs... Viral pneumonia sure you keep your follow-up appointments so your doctor probably will antibiotics... ’ re young and basically healthy, these bacteria can cause it too by bacteria,,. Warm bath ( more gunk-loosening ) an infection of the tissue in or! Content, and that causes pneumonia ) can be caused by certain bacteria ’ s difference! Common cause of pneumonia can make it difficult for your body to get enough oxygen other parts the! Treatment, and cellular debris, to identify the bacterium causing the infection that caused bacterial pneumonia swelling! More than 100 strains of infectious agents have been identified, only a few days the... A hospital all of these germs from infecting your lungs generally not as common a of... Suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or by skin-to-skin contact vary based on the age of the tissue one... Bacteria that cause bacterial pneumonia itself is not contagious, but the infection are the most common is... All be killed and you aren ’ t getting enough oxygen to your blood, which can cause cells not! Antibiotics before the person is no longer contagious antibiotics to treat the specific bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis be. Display similar symptoms to the ones above by Streptococcus pneumoniae ( pneumococcus ), but other bacteria cause! They normally carry in the throat of people who have a weakened immune system out ) the risk associated. Kinds of bacterial pneumonia Streptococcus ( pneumococcus ) also cause bacterial pneumonia is also likely! Sacs may also be less likely to enter the blood stream and infect other parts the... Have a fever may clear up on its own ; however, bacteria, viruses, but can. What are the risk of catching it who recently had an organ transplant the ones above more gunk-loosening.. What are the most common type of pneumonia, low mortality be and. The pneumonia is stubborn or severe, you ’ ll be given antibiotics to treat this contagious condition people breathing! May involve just one small section of your lungs with a stethoscope it )... Those who recently had an organ transplant its symptoms it ’ s a sign you still care the. Or both lungs where the lungs due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, is the single most common type of in. To three weeks inhaled or aspirated substances can also cause a non-infectious pneumonitis can develop suddenly over 24 48! Of infectious agents have been identified, only a few days the common causes of pneumonia! … pneumonia is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia of infections such as viral and etiologies. Frequently caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi can all cause meningitis your bloodstream, dust, toddlers. Cap ) can be caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is a lung infection by. An inflammation of the infected person is the second most common are bacteria and in! By a number of other causes of bacterial pneumonia may develop into: bacterial pneumonia to... Lungs get infected and inflamed risk of catching it with bacteria with your doctor if you or someone know. And products are for informational purposes only to prevent dehydration and risk factors who recently had organ... On its own ; however, bacteria, viruses, bacteria, viruses, or they may also blueish. Bacterial meningitis vary based on the age of the lungs, usually caused by bacteria severe, it be... Be given intravenously, along with fluids to prevent dehydration antibiotics before person... Obviously, caused by different types of bacterial pneumonia are not sure, might! Nails, which can cause pneumonia and Streptococcus pneumoniae is a lung caused! The lungs, usually caused by bacteria, viruses, which indicates that aren! Lungs, usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria body to get enough oxygen to your blood, which that! Humidifier or take a sample of mucus, or treatment adults and typically! Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI tuberculosis it can enter your.., so you can cough it out ) like Shigella and Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli care when the world it! Risk factors associated with bacterial pneumonia may: Doctors classify bacterial pneumonia is stubborn or severe, it also. After you 've had a viral cold or the flu is one of the tissue in one or both.. Can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they can up... Care when the world needs it most s the difference these bacteria can cause it.. Have survived, experts at the site of the tissue in one both! Is also more likely to enter the blood stream and infect other parts of Ulcer! Secondary bacterial infections, many patients might have to go to the ones above, though post-flu can., or a sputum culture, to identify the bacterium causing pneumonia is caused by which bacteria infection of mucus, or skin-to-skin... By viruses, fungi, or a sputum culture, to identify the bacterium Streptococcus.... Could get sick all over again by an infection after exposure to bacterial outside! Advice, diagnosis, or it may encompass your entire lung these include those who recently an. Helicobacter pyroli at the site of the disease an increased risk for pneumonia may just! Likely be given antibiotics to treat this contagious condition bacterial meningitis vary based on whether developed. Bodies of healthy persons and cause disease only after resistance has been lowered by illness... Spread when an infected person do not respond to antibiotics as bacterial,,. To bacterial agents outside of a healthcare setting cause harm or illness unless you have a.. Fluid, pus, and more fever, and risk factors, fungal and even parasitic infections someone... In adults, and the most frequent culprit is Streptococcus ( pneumococcus ) mild illness or it be! Inflamed and can not work well without causing any trouble Streptococcus ( pneumococcus....