Anyone can get pneumonia, but your age and general health are risk factors for the dangerous infection.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says other risk factors include:

• Being a child under age 2. The immune systems of young children are still developing.
• Being an adult over age 65.
• Having asthma, bronchitis or COPD.
• Having cystic fibrosis.
• Having a weakened immune system.
• Having sickle cell anemia, diabetes or heart failure.
• Having trouble coughing, following a stroke.
• Being in a hospital’s intensive care unit, especially if on a ventilator.
• Having had the flu recently.
• Smoking or alcohol abuse.

Source: HealthDay

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