HomeAnswersInternal Medicinecovid-19

Does a history of pneumonia elevate Covid-19 risk?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a general question that relates personally to myself in relation to Covid-19.

I am a woman of 45 years and several years ago I had a severe case of pneumonia and I was hospitalized for a few weeks (which I have completely no memory of). It took me further 12 weeks to start to feel normal again. Since then I have had at least two chest infections a year and have also in the past two years I had many UTI's and kidney infections one of which was a few weeks ago and took lots of antibiotics to help.

At the moment, I have a slight sore throat and like many do not know what and how to react to this. I have never been diagnosed with any conditions but as I said get chest infections, UTIs, and kidney infections often. Am I more at risk of catching COVID-19 and would I be put into the category of someone who has for example, COPD etc.? I am very worried and scared as I know how ill I was when I got pneumonia and also my husband has diabetes and high blood pressure, which makes me even more concerned?

I am currently on Naproxen, Co-codamol (when required due to back and neck pain resulting from a car accident) Fluoxetine (daily).
Answered by Dr. Amit Jauhari

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Amit Jauhari is a General Practitioner with a specialization in Pulmonology and holds a double MD. He is proficient in managing respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and other pulmonary conditions. With extensive training in modern healthcare practices, he integrates advanced knowledge in cardiology, infectious diseases, and diabetes management to provide comprehensive care. His approach emphasizes preventive strategies and long-term health improvement.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to our portal.

We all are at risk to COVID19, but regular washing, sanitization of hands and use of masks outside the home can reduce the risk. Since you have encountered pneumonia earlier, your defense system must be boosted up. Still, I would recommend that you talk to your physician and get yourself vaccinated with:

1. Influenza (Quadrivalent) vaccine yearly.

2. Pneumococcal vaccine every sixth year.

These vaccines provide good prophylaxis against typical bacterial and viral infections.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At March 20, 2020
Reviewed At April 25, 2025

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Amit Jauhari is a General Practitioner with a specialization in Pulmonology and holds a double MD. He is proficient in managing respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and other pulmonary conditions. With extensive training in modern healthcare practices, he integrates advanced knowledge in cardiology, infectious diseases, and diabetes management to provide comprehensive care. His approach emphasizes preventive strategies and long-term health improvement.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Amit Jauhari
Dr. Amit Jauhari

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Amit Jauhari is a General Practitioner with a specialization in Pulmonology and holds a double MD. He is proficient in managing respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and other pulmonary conditions. With extensive training in modern healthcare practices, he integrates advanced knowledge in cardiology, infectious diseases, and diabetes management to provide comprehensive care. His approach emphasizes preventive strategies and long-term health improvement.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

I have bad cough and chest pain from a month. What could it be?

Is pneumonia causing weight loss in my child?

Please let me know if my father has been treated in a right way.

Dr.C Elanchezhian

Dr.Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan

Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnoses, Treatments, and Prevention

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

covid-19pneumoniachest infection

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Internal Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.