Pneumonia yields the greatest number of deaths from any infectious disease, including HIV infection, malaria or tuberculosis. With the disease killing nearly a million children each year, it’s important to educate yourself on what exactly you’re up against to protect you and your family.

Pneumonia is caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. It comes in two main forms, depending on where you acquire it:

1. Nosocomial pneumonia (NP)
   This is the term for pneumonia developed during or following a stay in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or a dialysis center. The bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia from this setting are different from those acquired in a community, and may be associated with hospital equipment use such as ventilators.
2. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
   This is a type of pneumonia acquired outside of a medical facility. The ones at highest risk include adults 65 years or older, as well as children younger than 5 years old.

Together with your healthcare provider, it’s important to rule out the cause of your pneumonia to ensure you receive the proper treatment to treat your condition or your loved one’s. Make sure to speak with your doctor if you experience any early signs and symptoms of the disease.

Sources:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/234753-overview
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/234916-overview
http://www.cdc.gov/features/pneumonia/