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How Long Does Recovery Take From Pneumonia?

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Posted on Mon, 23 May 2016
Question: How long should you be off work when having pneumonia?Is it contagious? Also have had ear infection and sinus infection.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Some information:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I'm sorry you have been so sick.

If the cause of the pneumonia is bacterial, it is generally regarded that after you have been on an antibiotic for 24 hours that your contagiousness is markedly decreased.

You can return to work once you feel better and are rested and breathing easily. How long this takes to happen depends on how sick a person has become from the pneumonia and how long it has gone on. For many people, the infection is clear in a couple of weeks; in more severe infections or in people who have underlying health problems it can take 6-8 weeks.

You should feel physically strong again before stressing your body further. Rest is important for the immune system to function well.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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How Long Does Recovery Take From Pneumonia?

Brief Answer: Some information: Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I'm sorry you have been so sick. If the cause of the pneumonia is bacterial, it is generally regarded that after you have been on an antibiotic for 24 hours that your contagiousness is markedly decreased. You can return to work once you feel better and are rested and breathing easily. How long this takes to happen depends on how sick a person has become from the pneumonia and how long it has gone on. For many people, the infection is clear in a couple of weeks; in more severe infections or in people who have underlying health problems it can take 6-8 weeks. You should feel physically strong again before stressing your body further. Rest is important for the immune system to function well. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.