Relapses can be far more serious than the first attack. In some patients, medication to ease chest pain and to provide relief from violent cough may be necessary. The vigorous young person may lead a normal life within a week of recovery from pneumonia. A person recovering from mycoplasma pneumonia may be weak for an extended period of time. In general, a person should not be discouraged from returning to work or carrying out usual activities but must be warned to expect some difficulties.
Adequate rest is important to maintain progress toward full recovery and to avoid relapse.
Vaccine is also available to help fight pneumococcal pneumonia, one type of bacterial pneumonia. Your doctor can help you decide if you, or a member of your family, needs the vaccine against pneumococcal pneumonia. It is usually given only to people at high risk of getting the disease and its life-threatening complications. Have chronic illnesses such as lung disease, heart disease, kidney disorders, sickle cell anemia, or diabetes. If you are at risk, ask your doctor for the vaccine.