I have recently suffered from severe pneumonia, I ended up on life support in intensive care. I am 41 and consider myself to be of good health. The hospital were very surprised at me have pnuemonia and said it was very unusual for someone of my age. I am still very much in the dark as to how I became so ill with this and how I might have caught it. I also am worried I may catch pnuemonia again. Can anyone give me any information/advise on this

A common cause, but by no means the only one, is strep pneumococcus. There is a vaccination for this. Viruses , like influenza , can also cause pneumonia. A vaccination may also help.

You say you are in good health but the following put you at risk [if any apply ]

Smoking
Alcohol use
Hiv / aids
Cysic fibrosis
Diabetes
[ prior ] removal of the spleen
Steroids, chemotherapy suppress the immune system.
To name a few



Usually one case is just that, but if you get pneumonia again you need to have your immunity evaluated by your doctor.

There's a good chance that you may have caught the cold/flu and while your immune system was at a weak point, you caught pneumonia.

This past flu season was one of the worst, so there's a good chance your immune system was a bit weak during that time.

Really, there's no "good" way to prevent any sickness except the usual: get your rest, get your vitamins, exercise moderately, and eat well. Wash your hands.

Hope you're feeling better

My entire family ended up with broncitis which turned into pneumonia during the holidays.It was like someone may cough up half a lung because the coughing is constant and hard to cure.I thought all was well,but we caught the flu 4 weeks later.It has been a very sickly winter to say the least.I'm ready to get past all the viruses and germs.