Health Tip: Who Gets Pneumonia?

(HealthDay News) -- Anyone can get pneumonia, but your age and general health are risk factors for the dangerous infection.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says other risk factors include:

  • Being a child under age 2. The immune systems of young children are still developing.
  • Being an adult over age 65.
  • Having asthma, bronchitis or COPD.
  • Having cystic fibrosis.
  • Having a weakened immune system.
  • Having sickle cell anemia, diabetes or heart failure.
  • Having trouble coughing, following a stroke.
  • Being in a hospital's intensive care unit, especially if on a ventilator.
  • Having had the flu recently.
  • Smoking or alcohol abuse.

    • Date Published: 12/03/2015

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