Contact UsInvestorsCareersMediaScienceContact Us
Don't take freedom for granted

Taking steps now
may reduce your risk

Your health is your freedom, It’s easily taken for granted until you lose it. With over half a million hospitalisations from pneumonia in 2024–2025,1 it’s something to protect.​
 
For many people aged 65 and over, freedom means staying active, socialising, or simply having the choice.
 
Many people don’t realise that getting older changes how your immune system responds to infection.3 Even if you feel fit and well, your risk of serious illness form pneumonia increases with age.4,5
 
Continue reading to learn about important causes of pneumonia and whether you’re eligible for immunisation on the NHS.

You may feel younger than your age, and that’s exactly why it’s easy to underestimate your risk.

For more information about pneumonia, including its symptoms, treatment, recovery and ways to help reduce your risk,Visit the NHS websiteJump ahead to:What is Pnuemonia?How can Pneumonia develop?What are the symptoms?Ways to help protect against PneumonianTreatments for PneumoniaUnderstand PneumoniaWhat is Pnuemonia?Pneumonia is a type of chest infection that causes inflammation and swelling in the lungs.2,6–8

The air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) become inflamed and fill with fluid, making breathing more difficult.6,7

Most people recover within 2–4 weeks, but it can be more serious in older adults, babies, young children and people with certain heart or lung conditions.2,8Pneumonia is usually caused by an infection in the lungs.6 Common causes include:4,6
  • Bacteria, including pneumococcal bacteria
  • Viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19
Less common causes include:4,6,8
  • Food, liquid or vomit entering the lungs (aspiration pneumonia)
  • Less commonly, fungal infections
Some infections, including RSV and pneumococcal can lead to pneumonia.4,6,8Learning more about these infections may help you better understand your risk and the steps you can take to help protect your health.RSVPneumococcalHow can pneumonia develop?Many respiratory infections are caused by viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.6,8 While some infections remain mild and affect only the upper respiratory tract, others can spread to the lungs and develop into pneumonia.6,8

The likelihood of progression depends on the infecting pathogen, a person's immune response and underlying risk factors.6,8,10

 

Respiratory pathogens, viruses such as RSV and influenza and bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), can cause respiratory tract infections. In some cases, these infections can spread to the lungs and lead to pneumonia.6,8–10

What are the symptoms?Symptoms can develop suddenly or come on gradually over a few days. Common signs of pneumonia include:4,8
A cough, which may produce mucus (phlegm)
Shortness of breath
A high temperature
Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing
Feeling very tired
Aching muscles or body aches
Loss of appetite
Wheezing or noisy breathing
Confusion, particularly in older adults
Help protect the freedom to keep living life your wayThere are steps you can take to help reduce your risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections.Keep up to date with recommended NHS immunisations2,8,9,11
  • Some respiratory infections, including influenza, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal disease, can lead to pneumonia
  • If you're eligible, NHS immunisations may help protect against certain infections that can cause pneumonia
Look after your overall health2,4,6,8,12
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Stay physically active where possible
  • Get enough rest and sleep
  • Manage any long-term health conditions with the support of your healthcare team1
Help reduce your exposure to respiratory infections2,4,6,8,12
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell whenever possible
Avoid smoking2,4,6,8,12
  • Smoking can damage the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia
 Speak to your healthcare professional about immunisation and other ways to help protect yourself from pneumonia.Treatments for Pneumonia
Treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause of the infection and how severe it is.2,6
Many people can be treated at home. If pneumonia is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed. 

Rest, staying hydrated and managing symptoms can also help support recovery.2,6,12

Some people may need hospital treatment, which can include antibiotics, fluids or oxygen therapy.2,7,12
Protect the freedom to keep doing the things you love.Speak to your GP for advice. For further information about Pneumonia.Visit the NHS website

References

  1. Asthma + Lung UK. Charity urges action as avoidable pneumonia hospitalisations soar. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/media/press-releases/charity-urges-action-avoidable-pneumonia-hospitalisations-soar. Accessed September 2026.
  2. NHS. Pneumonia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/. Accessed September 2026.
  3. Wrona MV. Front Aging. 2024;5:1490302.
  4. NHS. Pneumonia – Information for patients. Available at: https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/media/qvvjrtu3/78368pneumonia.pdf. Accessed September 2026.
  5. Ruiz LA, et al. BMC Geriatr. 2017;17:130.
  6. Torres A, et al. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2021;7:25.
  7. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Pneumonia in adults: diagnosis and management (CG191)
  8. Asthma + Lung UK. What is pneumonia? Causes, signs, symptoms, risks and prevention. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/pneumonia/what-is-it. Accessed September 2026.
  9. UK Health Security Agency. Pneumococcal disease: guidance, data and analysis. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/pneumococcal-disease-guidance-data-and-analysis. Accessed September 2026.
  10. Musher DM, Thorner AR. N Engl J Med. 2014;371:1619–1628.
  11. NHS. Vaccinations and when to have them. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/. Accessed September 2026.
  12. NI Direct. Pneumonia. Available at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/pneumonia. Accessed September 2026.

PP-UNP-GBR-15205. September 2026

Science Products Responsibility Partnerships Careers Privacy Statement Terms of Use Contact UsSitemap Copyright © 2017-2025 Pfizer Limited. PP-UNP-GBR-13382  / September 2025. All rights reserved. Registered in England and Wales No. 526209. Registered office: Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9NJ. VAT No. GB201048427.  This website is intended for the general public in the UK.