Pneumococcal pneumonia is not a cold or the flu. It is a bacterial lung disease, while the flu and cold are caused by viruses. In some cases, pneumococcal pneumonia can cause part of your lung to fill up with mucus, making it hard to breathe. You can catch pneumococcal pneumonia through coughing or close contact.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious disease you shouldn't ignore. It can disrupt your life for weeks and even land you in the hospital. The immune system naturally weakens with age, so even if you're healthy and active, being 65 or older is a key risk factor for pneumococcal pneumonia.

Non-invasive pneumococcal infections are usually mild and go away without the need for treatment. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol are usually advised. More invasive types of pneumococcal infections can be treated with antibiotics, either at home or in hospital.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is the disease that Streptococcus pneumoniae most often causes. While viruses cause most childhood pneumonia, pneumococcus is the most common bacterial cause of childhood pneumonia.

It may take time to recover from pneumonia. Some people feel better and are able to return to their normal routines within a week. For other people, it can take a month or more. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month.

Some symptoms can last for weeks or longer. In severe cases, pneumococcal pneumonia can lead to hospitalization or in some cases, even death.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia. It can be serious because the bacteria causing the pneumonia can be resistant to antibiotics. You're more likely to get this type if: You're on a breathing machine. You can't cough strongly enough to clear your lungs.

"Once the infection is cleared with treatment, your body still has to deal with removing all of the fluid, damage and debris left behind in your lungs. This can take a few weeks, resulting in a lingering cough and reduced lung capacity," explains Dr. Lee.

Drink plenty of fluids to help you stay hydrated. Don't drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. Alcohol and illegal drugs weaken your immune system and can raise the risk of pneumonia complications. Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.

Non-invasive pneumococcal infections are usually mild and go away without the need for treatment. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol are usually advised. More invasive types of pneumococcal infections can be treated with antibiotics, either at home or in hospital.

Often, a person will recover from a mild pneumococcal infection without any treatment. In some cases, however, a doctor will recommend antibiotics to prevent complications from occurring.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can be serious. Symptoms can come on quickly and can include cough, fatigue, high fever, shaking chills, and chest pain with difficulty breathing. Some symptoms can last for weeks or longer.