How long tired after pneumonia

Children can still feel weak and tired for a while after the infection is gone. Their bodies have worked so hard to clear the infection that they may need some time to get back to normal. You should expect it to take around weeks for your child to feel back to normal. Pneumonia can also have some longer term effects on the lungs. Some children will continue to cough for a while after the infection has gone. Sometimes this is because there is still some lingering mucus or debris they need to cough up.

However, it can also be a habit. Children are simply so used to coughing that they keep doing it. An experienced doctor can work with your child to overcome this habit in a sensitive manner. Other effects on the lungs can also last for a while after your child has recovered from pneumonia.

Your child might occasionally wheeze or feel breathless. It can take months for a child to recover completely from pneumonia, even though the infection itself will be cleared up much faster. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month.

Adequate rest is important to maintain progress toward full recovery and to avoid relapse. Don't rush your recovery! Talk with your doctor about when you can go back to your normal routine. While you are recovering, try to limit your contact with family and friends, to help keep your germs from spreading to other people. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough, promptly dispose of tissues in a closed waste container and wash your hands often.

If you have taken antibiotics, your doctor will want to make sure your chest X-ray is normal again after you finish the whole prescription.

It may take many weeks for your X-ray to clear up. This November your donation goes even further to improve lung health and defeat lung cancer. Double Your Gift. Your tax-deductible donation funds lung disease and lung cancer research, new treatments, lung health education, and more. Join over , people who receive the latest news about lung health, including COVID, research, air quality, inspiring stories and resources.

Thank you! You will now receive email updates from the American Lung Association. Select your location to view local American Lung Association events and news near you. Our service is free and we are here to help you. Pneumonia Treatment and Recovery. Section Menu. How Is Pneumonia Treated? Most people can manage their symptoms such as fever and cough at home by following these steps: Control your fever with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen , or acetaminophen.

DO NOT give aspirin to children. Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm. Overall, vitamin D helps strengthen the immune system in order to better fight infections, says Vitamin D Council. Low vitamin D may weaken the protective barriers of cells, allowing bacteria and viruses to enter. For a diet rich in vitamin D , NIH recommends a diet consisting of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, mushrooms, egg yolk, beef liver, cheese, milk, breakfast cereals, orange juice and more.

You can also get vitamin D from the sun or from supplements. In general, it's important to maintain a diet that strengthens the immune system in order to speed recovery or to help avoid pneumonia altogether. Harvard Health Publishing recommends eating plenty of fruits and vegetables in order to boost the immune system.

Micronutrient deficiencies in zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, C and E are known to alter immune responses, so it's key for proper immune functioning and staving off illnesses to consume foods with those vitamins and minerals. Fatigue is one of the last symptoms to depart on the road to pneumonia recovery.

It may be several months before you begin to regain your energy. Better Health Channel recommends nutrition tips that will help you fight fatigue, such as:. Other strategies for fighting fatigue include regularly doing physical activity, getting enough sleep and limiting your caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and reducing stressors. Ask your doctor which options are best for you in order to combat fatigue and weakness after pneumonia.

Fitness Workouts Exercises and Workouts. Claudia is a registered dietitian with a PhD in physical activity, nutrition and wellness. She is an expert in intuitive eating and nutrition science. Caroline Haley.