What is community-acquired pneumonia?
Community-acquired pneumonia is also called CAP. It is a lung infection that you get from being in the community, around other people. CAP is not a pneumonia you would get from being in a hospital or long-term care facility. With CAP, your lungs become inflamed (swollen) and cannot work well. CAP can happen at any age, but happens more in very young children and adults older than 65. CAP is most common in the fall and winter months. What causes CAP? Community-acquired pneumonia can be caused by different types of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi (yeasts). You may get infected by breathing in the germs. The germs are easily spread from an infected person to others by coughing, sneezing, or close contact. What may increase my risk of having CAP? Any of the following may increase your risk of having CAP, or may make your CAP worse: • Age: In the elderly, the body changes and you may get sick easier. Newborn babies, or very young children also have an increased risk of being i
