Medical fraternity has been grappling with the question if pneumonia is contagious to women. This article provides some information on the same.
Pneumonia is a condition of pus secretion and inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, virus, or mycoplasma. The lungs are affected and in turn, the oxygen supply to the blood is also reduced. It is generally observed in children, elderly, or people with lung diseases, or most people with a weak immune system.
Pneumonia and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a very delicate state for women. Since, a child is developing inside the body, it fulfills all its requirements of food and oxygen from the mother’s body and specifically through the blood. In this condition, it is important that the mother’s blood has the required amount of nutrients for the baby. If the pregnant woman does not take care, she might catch infectious diseases. Medical experts state that mothers who have diseases like asthma and anemia have higher risks of contracting pneumonia in pregnancy. Moreover, a pregnant lady can get the microorganism causing pneumonia if she is around people affected by this infection.
Pneumonia and if it is Contagious
Experts believe that pneumonia is not contagious, but its vectors are definitely contagious. This means that one can acquire the pneumonia virus, or bacteria, or mycoplasma from the infected person due to contact, by sitting near him/her, or by sharing clothes and utensils. However, the vector will not cause pneumonia. It would rather cause cold or influenza (flu) in the other person, which if not treated on time can manifest into this medical condition. In babies, it can lead to low weight at birth and there can be increased chances of preterm birth. More dangerous consequences can be some serious complications to the mothers including respiratory failure. According to a study, Streptococcus pneumoniae infection is the most common cause of this medical condition in pregnancy. Maternal pneumonia has been linked with several respiratory diseases like varicella, influenza, and severe acute respiratory syndrome. Furthermore, many wonder if pneumonia is contagious after antibiotics treatment, or if it is contagious when on the same. One should know that several antibiotics like Beta-lactam and macrolide have found to be effective in controlling the cases related to this medical condition. Nonetheless, strict medical supervision is of absolute importance and no antibiotics must be taken unless stated by the doctor. There is such fixed duration of pneumonia infection especially during pregnancy. Once it has affected the mother, it may subside after the treatment or persist for longer time aggravating into more difficult respiratory diseases. Doctors generally advise that women should eat healthy food and must stay physically active, so that they have a strong immune system. Pregnant ladies with poor immune system are at a higher risk of this medical condition, so it is best to take proper care of diet during pregnancy.
On observation of the preliminary signs of this medical condition during maternity, one should contact the doctor immediately so that timely treatment and care can be provided. This will not only prevent the infection, but will also make sure that the mother and child are safe.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.