Generally healthy people do not catch pneumonia. So it is usually thought of as not being contagious.
Many viruses and bacteria can cause pneumonia. When certain germs cause it pneumonia can be very easy to "catch". An example of this is when it is caused by the bacteria streptococcus pneumonia. This is often seen as an outbreak in young healthy military recruits living in the same barracks.
A weakened or compromised immune system will make a person more likely to
Yes, pneumonia IS contagious if its the infectious variety.
Here's an answer from the 1st paragraph of the Pneumonia MedFacts page at the National Jewish website, www.NationalJewish.org/MedFacts/pneumonia.html
PNEUMONIA
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia refers to an infection of the lung. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other organisms. Infectious pneumonia usually is spread by inhalation of infected particles or by aspiration ("swallowing" into the lungs). It rarely can spread through the blood stream from another infected area of the body. Typical respiratory symptoms of pneumonia include cough (with or without mucus), chest pain, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms of pneumonia include fever, sweats, headache, and weakness. Some people may be at a higher risk of developing pneumonias. These people include diabetics, alcoholics, immunosuppressed individuals (which can occur with steroid use), and the elderly.
Aloha,
Starion