Respiratory diseases are one of the top five causes of early death¹ and puts significant pressure on the NHS. It is estimated to cost the NHS around £9.9 billion annually² and it is recognised as an improvement priority within the NHS Long Term Plan¹.

Pneumonia is a common respiratory disease affecting approximately 1% of adults in the UK annually. It can be serious and is one of the leading causes of hospital admissions for respiratory problems³.

• If developed within the community, it is referred to as ‘Community Acquired Pneumonia’ (CAP)
• If developed by a patient 48 -72 hours after being admitted to hospital it is referred to as ‘Hospital Acquired Pneumonia’ (HAP)

The most common cause of pneumonia is the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae which is spread by airborne droplets or direct contact with infected saliva or mucus.

While anyone can get pneumonia, people of certain ages or with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of developing complications². More than half the pneumonia related deaths occur in people >84yrs⁴.