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Get rid of this infection in you lungs as fast as possible

	How quickly you get treated makes a big difference in how ill you will get, especially if you’re older or in poor health. ConsumerReportsHealth.org and your doctor can help you find treatments for pneumonia that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out which medication or activity rates best for treating pneumonia and clearing up you lungs.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with pneumonia, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about pneumonia, and expert evidence and advice about treatment options.

Key points for people with pneumonia

• Pneumonia is serious and can sometimes kill. If you think you have it, see your doctor immediately.
• Most people with pneumonia can be treated at home. You need to go to the hospital only if you are very sick.
• Antibiotics are the main treatment for pneumonia. The sooner you take them, the better your chance of making a full recovery.
• It's important to be sure that you recover completely. Go to your doctor if any symptoms, such as fever and cough, don't seem to go away.
• There are vaccines that can protect you against pneumonia if you are at a high risk of getting it because you are older or in poor health.

Pneumonia is very common. About 4 million people in the United States get it every year. You get pneumonia when harmful germs get past your lung's defense systems and start to multiply. This causes an infection. Often, these germs are already in your nose and throat. Sometimes they are in tiny drops in the air (for example, after someone sneezes), and you breathe them in. You can get an infection in just one of your lungs or in both of them. Risk factors for pneumonia include being over the age of 65 or under the age of 2, smoking, having another lung disease, and having cancer or AIDS.

The main aim of treating pneumonia is to get rid of the infection in your lungs as quickly as possible. We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about pneumonia. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.