What should you know about pneumonia in young adults?

The infection inflames the air sacs where oxygen moves into the blood. Fluid and inflammation can make breathing feel harder and may cause tiredness, chills, fever, a cough with or without phlegm, or pain that worsens when taking a deep breath. Viral illnesses such as influenza or COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, while bacteria are another possible cause. Symptoms can begin suddenly or build after a respiratory illness. A young age does not rule out a serious infection.

Arrange a clinical assessment if you have fever with a persistent cough, breathlessness, chest pain, or a clear decline after a cold or flu-like illness. A clinician may listen to your lungs, check oxygen levels and decide whether imaging or other tests are needed. Treatment depends on the cause; antibiotics help some bacterial infections but do not treat viruses. Rest, fluids and the medicines recommended for you may ease symptoms. Avoid smoking and strenuous exercise while recovering.

Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, or inability to stay awake. Get prompt medical advice for worsening breathlessness, persistent high fever, sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, or very little urine. A rapidly worsening infection can affect the whole body and may progress to sepsis, so do not wait for symptoms to become extreme.

Ask what cause is most likely, whether you need a chest examination or imaging, which warning signs should change your plan, and when you can safely return to work, study or exercise.