Pneumonia: Recovery at Home

Reviewed by Ylmard Grimaldi, LVN
Last reviewed: October 19, 2026

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can make you cough, feel tired, and have a hard time breathing. Many people get better at home with rest and the right care. This page shares simple ways to help you heal. Always follow your doctor's orders first.

What to expect

• You will still have some signs of pneumonia when you get home. That is normal.
• Your cough should slowly get better over 1 to 2 weeks.
• Sleep and eating may take about a week to get back to normal.
• Your energy may take 2 weeks or more to come back. Older adults may take longer.

Everyday habits that help

• Rest. Take naps during the day if you do not sleep well at night.
• Drink plenty of fluids, like water, juice, or weak tea, unless your doctor tells you to limit fluids.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Take a few deep breaths, 2 to 3 times every hour. This helps open your lungs.
• Cough to clear mucus. Coughing helps your lungs heal.
• Warm, moist air can loosen mucus. Try a humidifier or a warm, wet cloth near your nose and mouth.
• Do not smoke. Do not let anyone smoke in your home.
• If you smoke, ask your doctor for help to quit. You can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). It is free.

Medicines

• If you were given antibiotics, take every dose. Finish them all, even if you feel better.
• Do not take cough or cold medicine unless your doctor says it is OK.
• Ask your doctor before you take medicine for fever or pain.

Oxygen safety (if prescribed)

• Use oxygen only as prescribed. Do not change the flow on your own.
• Never smoke, and keep oxygen away from flames and heat.
• Keep a backup supply and your oxygen company's phone number handy.
• Keep tubing out of walkways so no one trips.

Help prevent pneumonia

• Get a flu shot every year.
• Ask your doctor about the pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine. The CDC advises it for all adults 50 and older.
• Ask your doctor if you need a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Wash your hands often.
• Stay away from people who are sick. Ask visitors with a cold to wear a mask.

Call your doctor if

• Your fever comes back.
• You cough up dark mucus.
• You get headaches more often than usual.
• You are not getting better, or you feel worse.
• You cannot drink enough fluids.

Call 911 if

• Breathing gets harder, faster, or very shallow.
• You must lean forward to breathe.
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath.
• You cough up blood.
• The person is very sleepy or confused.
• Lips, fingertips, or the skin around the nails turn blue.

Questions to ask your doctor

• How long will I take antibiotics?
• How much should I drink each day?
• Can I take medicine for fever or pain? Which one?
• Do I need a pneumonia vaccine or flu shot?
• When can I go back to my normal activities?
• When should I have a follow-up visit?
• Who do I call after hours?

How Newstart helps after pneumonia

• Home health care brings skilled care, like nursing and therapy, to you at home. It follows a care plan from your doctor.
• Our skilled nurses can check your breathing, temperature, and oxygen levels.
• They can help you take your medicines the right way and watch for warning signs.
• They can teach breathing tips and oxygen safety to you and your family.
• Our therapists can help you get your strength back safely.
• Ask your doctor if home health care is right for you.
• Newstart Home Health Inc is licensed in 7 Southern California counties. We are currently serving Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties. We are also Medicare-certified.
• We provide skilled home health care only.

Related pages

• Respiratory Care & Treatments
• Skilled Nursing
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Medication Safety at Home

Sources

1. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (NIH). "Pneumonia in adults - discharge." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000017.htm (checked Oct 12, 2026, PT)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Pneumococcal Vaccination." https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/index.html (page dated Feb 25, 2026; checked Oct 12, 2026, PT)
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Five Reasons Why Calling a Quitline Can Be Key to Your Success" (Tips From Former Smokers; quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW). https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/quitline/index.html (checked Oct 19, 2026, PT)

Last reviewed: October 19, 2026