Pneumonia is a disorder which can be caused by bacteria or viruses. In both cases, the infection is contagious. The infection of the respiratory tract is caused by the same germs causing pneumonia. When the germs from a person suffering from pneumonia get transferred to another, the infection in the recipient need not result in the same infection. Rather, infections of the upper portions of the respiratory tract like flu or cold may result. The germs causing pneumonia are located in the nose and mouth of the infected individual. The transfer of germs is through touching of any contaminated surface or air. The entry in to the body is through the nose, mouth or eyes.

Once in the body, these infectious germs will be fought by the immune system of the body. The former tries to multiply, while the later attempts to kill the pathogens. These germs attempt to spread to other locations in the body as well like the blood stream and lungs. The immunity fights this and limits the symptoms to the part for the body from which the germs would have made an entry.  The immune system is not always in perfect condition and may not be able to fight harmful germs as effectively always. The sheer numbers of the of variety germs in the lungs may cause the defense of the immune system seem less effective. Sometimes presence of certain diseases already in the body like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or diabetes and other diseases which target one’s immune system like AIDS or HIV make the individual more susceptible to getting infected. Sometimes, the potency of the attack by germs becomes so strong that the immunity fails to prevent onset of the infection.

The duration the infection remains contagious depends on the type of germ causing it. Once the germs enter the body, it takes 2 to 3 days fro them to become contagious which will be before the surfacing of related symptom till they no longer last. The intensity of the contagiousness is highest between the second and fourth day of getting infected. Usually pneumonia lasts for almost 2 weeks during which the infection remains contagious.  

Personal hygiene like washing hands, keeping hands away from the nose, mouth or eyes, limited contact with infected people, and refraining from using items of the infected  person like glass or utensils which can get contaminated easily can prevent the possibility of transfer of these harmful germs.

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