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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs usually caused by viruses or bacteria. It can sometimes feel like a bad cold or the flu. It can also lead to serious, life-threatening illness and, in some cases, death.

Anyone can get pneumonia, but people with asthma are at higher risk for getting it. If you have asthma, you should know how to protect yourself from developing pneumonia.

What Is Pneumonia?

Your lungs have tiny air sacs that fill with air when you breathe in, bringing oxygen into your bloodstream and filtering out carbon dioxide when you breathe out. When you have pneumonia, these air sacs, called alveoli, can become inflamed and filled with fluid. It becomes hard for the oxygen you breathe in to reach your bloodstream, making it hard or even painful to breathe. Because the alveoli are filled with fluid, you may begin to have a cough that produces mucus and other symptoms.

There are many factors that can affect how serious pneumonia can be for you, such as:

  • Age (such as very young children and older adults)
  • General overall health
  • Co-existing health conditions (such as asthma and other chronic lung diseases)
  • The type of germ (such as a virus, bacteria, or fungi) that is causing your pneumonia

People at risk of pneumonia include:

  • Children younger than 2 years old
  • Adults with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or heart disease)
  • Adults 65 and older

Pneumonia can be serious. About 1.4 million Americans go to the emergency department each year for pneumonia.1 Around 41,000 Americans die each year from pneumonia.1

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?

While every person may have different symptoms of pneumonia, there are some common symptoms with this disease. They can vary from mild to severe. The symptoms can usually appear suddenly or gradually over time. Many symptoms are similar to symptoms of the flu, but last longer. You may have some of the following symptoms if you get pneumonia:

  • Trouble breathing (such as shortness of breath or rapid breathing)
  • Chest pain (a sharp or stabbing pain when you breath in)
  • Cough (you may cough up greenish or yellow mucus)
  • Fever
  • Sweating and chills
  • Stiff neck
  • Fatigue, tiredness, restlessness, weakness, or fussiness (in babies and young children)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Call your doctor right away if you have a fever of 102 F or more or a persistent cough.

What Are Emergency Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be serious and life-threatening. Call 911 if you or your child has any of these emergency symptoms:

  • Rapid breathing or trouble breathing
  • Severe chest pain
  • Severe dizziness
  • Severe headache
  • A very high fever
  • Cyanosis – tissue color changes on mucus membranes (like tongue, lips, and around the eyes) and fingertips or nail beds – the color appears grayish or whitish on darker skin tones and bluish on lighter skin tones
  • Serious or constant vomiting
  • Sudden change in mental state, confusion, or can’t think clearly
  • Not waking up, not interacting, or not conscious

Are People with Asthma at Risk for Pneumonia?

For people with asthma, pneumonia can be very serious. But doctors don’t fully understand why. It may be because airways with asthma are different because of chronic inflammation, swelling, and over-reactivity. Asthma may make the lungs more likely to be affected by infection. Corticosteroids, a common asthma medicine, may also increase your risk because they can suppress your immune system.2,3,4 

What Causes Pneumonia?

Pneumonia infections can be caused by different organisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Some common viruses that can cause pneumonia are:

Common bacteria that can cause pneumonia:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (causes pneumococcal disease)
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae1
  • Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaires’ disease
  • Chlymdia pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)

Less often, illnesses like whooping cough, measles, and chickenpox can cause pneumonia. Vaccines are available for these illnesses. Getting these vaccines – along with the flu, COVID-19, RSV (if you are eligible), and pneumococcal vaccines – can help reduce your chances of getting pneumonia.

What Are the Different Types of Pneumonia?

There are different types of pneumonia based on what caused the pneumonia and where you caught it.

1. Community-acquired pneumonia: This is when someone gets pneumonia from their community or surroundings (not in a hospital). This is the most common type of pneumonia. It can be caused by:

  • Bacteria: The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae. You can inhale it into your lungs, or it can travel through your bloodstream to your lungs. It happens most often after you have had a cold or the flu. It may affect only one lung.
  • Fungi: If you have a weakened immune system or chronic health problems, you are at higher risk for this type of pneumonia. It is caused by fungi (living organisms such as yeasts, molds, and mushrooms) that are inhaled or found in soil or bird droppings.
  • Viruses: This is the most common cause of pneumonia in children under age 5. Viral pneumonia is usually mild, but it can sometimes be serious. Some of the viruses that cause the common cold and flu can cause this type of pneumonia. The COVID-19 virus can cause pneumonia, which can become severe. See above for a full listing of viruses that can cause pneumonia.

2. Health-care-associated pneumonia: This is when someone gets pneumonia during or following a stay in a hospital, health care setting, a nursing home, or a rehab center. Also, you can also get this type of pneumonia from outpatient centers, like dialysis centers. This type of pneumonia is typically caused by bacteria that may be more resistant to antibiotics. It can be serious and life-threatening because the people who get it are already sick.

3. Ventilator-associated pneumonia: This happens when you get pneumonia after being on a ventilator (a machine that helps you breathe or breathes for you by blowing air into your lungs). People who are at risk for this type of pneumonia are typically on a ventilator (a breathing machine) in an intensive care unit (ICU) in a hospital.

What Do People with Asthma Need to Know About Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal [noo-muh-kok-uhl] disease is a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus. This type of bacteria can cause many types of infections in your body, such as:

  • Lung infections
  • Blood infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Ear infections
  • Meningitis (a serious infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)

Some of these infections can be life-threatening and may require a stay in the hospital.

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but some people are more at risk than others. People at higher risk of getting pneumococcal disease include:

  • Children younger than 2 years old
  • Adults 65 and older
  • People with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems

If you have had a pneumococcal infection in the past, it will not keep you from getting it again.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease. There are 2 kinds of vaccines to prevent pneumococcal disease:

  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs)
  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV)

These vaccines protect against many but not all types of pneumococcal bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends different PCVs for different people based on age and medical status. Talk with your doctor about your options. 

In 2024, a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV21) became an option for adults 19 and older. This vaccine can help protect against new strains in pneumococcal disease, which are on the rise. The CDC recommends all adults aged 50 and over get routine adult pneumococcal vaccination. Adults who are 19-49 years old with a risk condition such as chronic lung disease or immunocompromising conditions should also get the pneumococcal vaccine.6 (See the list of risk conditions on the CDC website.)

Specific pneumococcal vaccines have been recommended for all U.S. infants and young children since 2000. These vaccines have worked well protecting infants from the infection.6 Talk with your doctor about which pneumococcal vaccine is most appropriate for your infant or young child.

It is also important to get the flu vaccine every year. Getting the flu increases your chances of getting pneumococcal disease.

How Does Pneumonia Spread?

You can spread pneumonia in several ways. You can spread it through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact (like kissing). You can even spread it through contact with blood. Not everyone who carries the bacteria or virus gets sick from it. That means it is possible to catch it from someone who seems to be healthy.

How Do Doctors Treat Pneumonia?

If you have pneumonia, treatment will depend on what type you have and how sick you are. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics and other supportive medical measures, such hydration and supplemental oxygen, if needed.

If your pneumonia is related to the flu or COVID-19, you may be given antiviral medicines and antibiotics, if needed. If you have a weakened immune system, you may be treated for a fungal infection.

Your doctor may also give you a corticosteroid, if needed. If your pneumonia is severe, you may require a hospital stay for more intensive medical treatment and observation.

If you get pneumonia, be sure to rest and drink plenty of liquids to help you recover. If your symptoms don’t get better, call your doctor right away.

It can take weeks or months to fully recover from pneumonia.

How Can I Protect Myself from Pneumonia?

The best way you can avoid getting pneumonia is to get a vaccine. Getting the vaccines for pneumococcal disease, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), COVID-19, the flu, whooping cough (pertussis), RSV (if you are eligible), and measles is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia. Medicare and most insurance companies will pay for these vaccines. Talk with your doctor about specific risks and benefits of these vaccines.

Many people get the pneumococcal vaccine when they are children. But you may need another shot when you are an adult. Talk with your doctor to find out if you need another pneumococcal shot.

Practicing good hygiene can also help keep you healthy and from getting and spreading pneumonia. You can prevent infections by:

  • Washing your hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds or longer (or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available)
  • Cleaning and disinfecting community surfaces
  • Coughing or sneezing into a tissue
  • Limiting contact with tobacco or e-cigarette smoke or quitting smoking
  • Wearing a mask in public indoor spaces when respiratory infections are spreading in your community
  • Keeping your asthma under control

Do the Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Me from Pneumonia?

The flu (influenza) and COVID-19 can affect your respiratory tract (lungs, nose, throat) and cause swelling and inflammation of the airways. This can increase your risk of pneumonia.

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get the vaccine every year between September and October. Get your shot at the beginning of flu season, which usually starts in October and ends in May. If you miss getting the flu vaccine in early fall, you can get it any time during the flu season. It takes about 2 weeks for your body to start building immunity after receiving the flu vaccine.

Also, it is important to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent serious symptoms (including pneumonia) if you get sick with COVID-19.

You can get the flu shot and COVID-19 shot at the same time.

Medical Review: February 2025 by John James, MD​

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Drug Company Assistance Programs

The medicines covered by the programs below may change at any time. The following medicines are covered as of Jan. 24, 2025.

Company:

  • AstraZeneca

Medicines offered:

  • AIRSUPRA®

If you have commercial insurance: If you have employer-provided or individual private (commercial) insurance, you may be able to get AIRSUPRA for as low as $0 with the SUPRA Savings Card.

If you have government insurance: For people with Medicare Part D coverage, the average out-of-pocket cost is $89 per month. For people with Medicaid, the out-of-pocket costs range from $.99-$13 per month. Some states offer even lower copays or eliminate the copay altogether. If you have Medicare Part D and cannot afford AIRSUPRA, you may be eligible for the patient assistance program, AZ&Me.

If you have no insurance: If you do not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover AIRSUPRA, you will pay the amount determined by your pharmacy. You may also be eligible for the patient assistance program, AZ&Me.

Learn more on the Cost Assistance with AIRSUPRA website or call 866-480-0030.

Company:

  • AstraZeneca

Medicines offered:

  • BEVESPI AEROSPHERE®
  • BREZTRI AEROSPHERE®
  • SYMBICORT®
  • FASENRA®
  • TEZSPIRE®

If you have commercial insurance, government insurance, or no insurance:

AstraZeneca US Patient Support offers various savings for several of their medicines. They offer copay savings cards and patient assistance programs depending on what type of insurance you have.

For more information, visit AZPatientSupport or call 800-236-9933.

AstraZeneca has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.

Company:

  • AstraZeneca

Medicines offered:

  • TEZSPIRE®

If you have commercial insurance: The TEZSPIRE Together Co-Pay Program can help may help you save regardless of income if you qualify. Get doses for as little as $0 and up to $100 off your in-office administration costs (pre-filled syringe only). Learn more on the TEZSPIRE Together Co-Pay Program website or call 888-987-7473.

If you have government insurance: The TEZSPIRE Together Program, you may be able receive TEZSPIRE at no cost if you qualify. This includes people who:

  • Are uninsured
  • Have Medicare Part B with no supplemental insurance
  • Have a Medicare Advantage plan with an affordability gap
  • Have insurance that does not cover TEZSPIRE

For more information, call 888-987-7473.

Company:

  • Boehringer Ingelheim

Medicines offered:

  • Atrovent® HFA
  • Combivent® Respimat®
  • Spiriva® Respimat®
  • Stiolto® Respimat®
  • Striverdi® Respimat®

If you have commercial insurance or don’t have insurance: If you qualify, your cost will automatically be discounted when you buy these inhalers at participating retail pharmacies. If your cost is more than $35, download and use a savings card. Learn more at: InhalerOffer.com

If you have government-funded insurance: If you use Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE, visit the Boehinger Cares Patient Assistance Program webpage or call 800-556-8317 to apply for assistance.

Boehringer Ingelheim has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.

Company:

  • Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Medicines offered:

  • DUPIXENT®

If you have commercial insurance: The Dupixent MyWay® Copay Card may help you lower the cost of your copay. Learn more on the Dupixent MyWay Copay Card website or call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.

If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover Dupixent: You can apply for the DUPIXENT MyWay Patient Assistance Program. For more information or to sign up, call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.

If you have Medicare: At this time, there is not a savings program for Dupixent if you have Medicare. Call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1 for more information.

If you have Medicaid: Your copay and coverage may vary depending on what state you live in. If you meet the criteria, you may also be able to get help from the DUPIXENT MyWay Patient Assistance Program. For more information or to sign up, call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.

Medicines covered:

  • Epinephrine devices – all brands

Savings programs:

Company:

  • Genentech

Medicines offered:

  • Xolair®

If you have commercial insurance: Genentech offers a copay savings program for Xolair. You may also be able to get help from an independent copay assistance foundation. Pdf icon

If you have government insurance or don’t have insurance: You may be able to get help from an independent copay assistance foundation. Find programs. Pdf icon

Company:

  • GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)

Medicines offered:

  • ARNUITY ELIPTA
  • ANORO ELLIPTA
  • BREO ELLIPTA
  • INCRUSE ELLIPTA
  • NUCALA®
  • SEREVENT®
  • TRELEGY®

If you have commercial insurance: You may be eligible for the GSK Copay Assistance Program.

If you have Medicare or no insurance: You may qualify for the GSK Patient Assistance Program. This program can help you receive certain GSK prescription medicines and vaccines at no cost.

For more information, visit GSK Patient Assistance Program & Savings Offers or call 888-825-5249.

GSK has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.

Company:

  • GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)

Medicines offered:

  • NUCALA®

If you have commercial insurance: If you have a commercial medical or prescription insurance plan, you may be able to take part on the NUCALA Copay Program. If you are approved, the GSK Copay Program may help with your cost share for NUCALA and the your cost share for administration up to the total annual copay program maximums.

If you have government insurance or no insurance: You are not eligible for this program if you are covered by any federal or state prescription insurance program.

For more information, visit the NUCALA Copay Program website or call 800-691-1939.

Company:

  • Organon

Medicines offered:

  • ASMANEX® HFA
  • ASMANEX® TWISTHALER®
  • DULERA®

If you have commercial insurance: If you qualify, you may be able to save with an ASMANEX Multiuse Savings Coupon.

If you qualify, you may pay as little as $15 per Dulera prescription on each of up to 12 qualifying prescriptions. The maximum savings is $90 per prescription.

If you have government insurance or no insurance: At this time, there is no assistance program if you have Medicaid or Medicare.

Company:

  • Teva

Medicines Covered:

  • QVAR RediHaler®
  • CINQAIR®

Teva Cares Patient Assistance Program provides certain Teva medicines at no cost if you live in the United States and meet specific insurance and income criteria. Learn more about program eligibility.

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Teva Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Programs, you may be eligible for help from other programs they offer.

For more information, visit the Teva Cares Foundation website or call 888-838-2872.

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Pharmacy Drug Savings Programs

Program Name:

Contact Information:

About the Program:

  • Blink Health finds the lowest price for the medicines you need. Find discounted prescription prices on more than 15,000 medicines.

Program Name:

Contact Information:

About the Program:

  • BlinkRx is a digital pharmacy service that carries certain medicines. They can provide the lowest prescription price while providing free home delivery.

Program Name:

Contact Information:

  • 855-268-2822

About the Program:

  • GoodRx is a free resource that lets you compare medicine prices and find discounts.

Looking for savings on asthma inhalers? See the GoodRx Savings Guide for ways you may be able to save money on 25 asthma inhalers.

Program Name:

Contact Information:

  • 833-317-2937

About the Program:

  • The Kroger Health Savings Club is an annual membership program that entitles members to reduced prices on prescription drugs.

Program Name:

Contact Information:

About the Program:

Program Name:

Contact Information:

  • 888-331-1002

About the Program:

  • The SCBN Prescription Assistance program is for uninsured or underinsured people who cannot afford their prescribed medicines.
  • The program requires a membership fee to participate.

Program Name:

Contact Information:

  • Contact your local Walmart pharmacy

About the Program:

  • The Walmart low-cost Prescription Program includes up to a 30-day supply for $4 and a 90-day supply for $10 of some covered generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages. Prices for some drugs covered by the program may vary by state.

Program Name:

Contact Information:

  • 877-296-4673

About the Program:

  • Prescription Hope provides access to brand-name medicines for only $60 a month per medication through their medication access service. Learn about program eligibility.

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Nonprofit Copay and Premium Assistance Programs

Organization:

Contact Information:

About the Program:

  • AcariaHealth provides specialty pharmacy services for people living with complex and chronic health conditions. Their Copay Assistance Support Team will research and apply to qualifying patient assistance programs on behalf of the patient. Learn about the program.

Organization:

Contact Information:

  • 800-366-7741

About the Program:

  • Accessia Health provides financial help to pay for copays, health insurance premiums, travel costs, and other medical expenses. Learn about program eligibility.

Organization:

Contact Information:

  • 877-968-7233

About the Program:

  • Good Days provides financial support for people who cannot afford the treatment they urgently need.
  • Copay, travel, premium, and diagnostic testing assistance may be available.
  • Learn about eligibility criteria.

Organization:

Contact Information:

  • 980-859-3483
  • gro.htaprobrah@ofni

About the Program:

Organization:

Contact Information:

About the Program:

  • HealthWell Foundation provide financial assistance to help with prescription copays, travel costs, behavioral health services, health insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.

Organization:

Contact Information:

  • 866-316-7263

About the Program:

  • The PAN Foundation offers financial help for out-of-pocket medicine costs including copays, health insurance premiums, and transportation costs related to medical care. Learn about program eligibility. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.

Organization:

Contact Information:

  • 866-512-3861

About the Program:

  • PAF’s Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program provides direct financial help to qualified people with co-payments, co-insurance or cost-sharing associated with prescription drugs through funds for specific disease states. Learn about program eligibility. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.

Organization:

Contact Information:

  •  800-769-3880

About the Program:

Organization:

Contact Information:

  • 855-845-3663

About the Program:

  • TAF helps people and families by providing them with financial help for their copays, coinsurance, premiums, deductibles, and other health-related expenses.

 

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Patient Assistance Tools and Databases

Tool:

Contact Information:

  • 800-794-6559

More Information:

  • BenefitsCheckUp® is a free service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). It is an online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefit programs such as health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.

Tool:

Contact Information:

About the Program:

  • Dispensary of Hope provides medicine to communities, free of cost. They are a charitable medication distributor dedicated to providing pharmacies and clinics with reliable access to medication that was generously donated by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Find a dispensing site near you, here.

Tool:

Contact Information:

  • 800-503-6897
  • gro.sdemydeen@ofni

More Information:

  • A national nonprofit that connects people to programs that may help them afford their medicines and other health care costs.

Tool:

Contact Information:

  • 571-350-8643

More Information:

  • PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is a search engine for many patient assistance resources offered by drug makers.

Tool:

Contact Information:

More Information:

Tool:

Contact Information:

More Information:

  • SingleCare works with pharmacies on discounts on prescriptions. Look up prescriptions to find the lowest prices in your area.

Tool:

Contact Information:

  • 800-719-5147
  • moc.esnesxr@rednifsgnivasxr

About the Program:

  • Walgreens Rx Savings Finder can help you find prescription discount cards that can help you find the lowest price on a medicine at Walgreens.

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State Drug Assistance Programs

Organization:

Contact Information:

  • 800-772-1213
  • (TTY 800-325-0778)

More Information:

  • The Extra Help program helps people with limited income and resources lower or cut Medicare Part D costs.

Organization:

Contact Information:

  • 877-839-2675
  • gro.htlaehpihs@ofni

More Information:

  • Free insurance counseling and help to Medicare-eligible people, their families, and caregivers.

Organization:

Contact Information:

  • Contact your local county office.

More Information:

  • CalAIM offers people on Medi-Cal access to services that address ​physical, behavioral, developmental, dental, and long-term care needs.

Organization:

More Information:

Organization:

More Information:

  • Learn more about pharmaceutical companies that offer programs to help pay for prescriptions for people with a Medicare Drug Plan (Part D).

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Community Resources

American Sleep Apnea Association: Assists people with sleep apnea who cannot afford their CPAP mask supplies through the CPAP Assistance Program.

Friends of Man: Receives applications for mobility equipment, prosthetics, home modifications, medical equipment, hearing aids, basic needs and much more. The referral must be made by a professional. This includes caseworkers, case managers, health care workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers, and clergy.

FoodFinder: A map of food pantries across the United States. Search your ZIP code to learn about free food assistance programs near you.

FundFinder: Helps you find financial assistance from charitable foundations.

Inspira Financial: Funds in a health savings account (HSA) or a health care flexible spending account (FSA) can be used for eligible medical expenses.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul: A national non-profit that provides local assistance and services.

United Way 211: The most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country.

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AAFA Regional Chapters

The AAFA New England Chapter has more information on drug assistance for Massachusetts residents.

The AAFA Michigan Chapter has more information on drug assistance for Michigan residents, including the Jared Williams Medication Fund (JWMF).

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