Pneumonia recovery guide for patients and caregivers

Recovery and prevention

Take prescribed medicines as directed, rest, drink regularly and avoid smoke. Recovery can take time, but worsening breathlessness or returning fever needs reassessment. If treatment has started and there is no improvement after 2 to 3 days, contact the treating clinician sooner if deteriorating.

Handwashing, covering coughs, good ventilation and avoiding tobacco smoke help protect others. Ask about routine childhood vaccination and additional vaccines appropriate to age, pregnancy or long-term illness. Babies, older people and people with heart or lung disease need particular care.