Pneumonia can affect anyone. But the two age groups at highest risk are: Children who are 2 years old or younger and people who are age 65 or older.
Other risk factors include:
-
Being hospitalized. You are at greater risk of pneumonia if you're in a hospital intensive care unit, especially if you're on a machine that helps you breathe.
-
Chronic disease. You're more likely to get pneumonia if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease.
-
Smoking. Smoking damages your body's natural defenses against the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.
-
Weakened or suppressed immune system. People who have HIV/AIDS, who've had an organ transplant, or who receive chemotherapy or long-term steroids are at risk.