- While the incidence of pneumonia is declining, it remains a
widespread and significant health care issue in the U.S.,
particularly among people who need long-term medical care. An
aging population, antibiotic resistance, and increasing health
care costs make this a particularly challenging problem. - Where
an individual becomes infected with pneumonia is commonly used
to describe a pneumonia case. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
is acquired in the community setting, not in a hospital or other
care facility. Hospital (or nosocomial)-acquired pneumonia and
nursing home-acquired pneumonia are acquired in those settings.
Knowing the setting helps physicians predict which pathogens are
most likely to be responsible for the infection. - Pneumonia may
have a viral or bacterial cause. Viral pneumonia accounts for a
third or more of community-acquired pneumonias. - Pneumonia
symptoms vary among children, adults, and the elderly.
Recognizing the symptoms of pneumonia promptly permits early
diagnosis, appropriate a