Long considered an infection “of the past”, pneumonia is now coming back to the forefront, driven by the intense circulation of respiratory viruses and an aging population. Lately, it has affected the actor Leonardo DiCaprio, and several other celebrities (sometimes with a tragic outcome) making it a little more visible. Why are we seeing this increase? And how to avoid serious forms?
Leonardo DiCaprio: pneumonia revealed during promotion
Leonardo DiCaprio, 51, told the Time to be recovering from pneumonia when interviewed in October. The “Artist of the Year 2025” according to the media, usually discreet about his health, did not however elaborate on the type or cause of his infection.
Nevertheless, his confession remains no less striking: it reminds us that pneumonia affects everyone, even the most protected personalities. It is also pneumonia which seems to have recently killed actress Diane Keaton, in October, at the age of 79. But also Val Kilmer, star of Top Gundied at age 65. With an aspect that we had somewhat forgotten: yes, pneumonia still kills.
What exactly is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, which affects the alveoli and fills them with fluid, pus or blood. This prevents oxygen from passing properly into the blood, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain and, in the most severe forms, respiratory failure or sepsis.
There are several types of pneumonia:
- Bacterial (including pneumococcal pneumonia, often after the flu);
- Viral (flu, COVID, etc.);
- Fungal infections in the immunocompromised;
- By inhalation (inhaled vomiting);
- Linked to tuberculosis, prolonged intubation, or even drowning.
In itself, pneumonia is therefore not a single disease, but a set of symptoms linked to a serious lung infection.
Why is pneumonia making a comeback in 2025?
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician, confirms a worrying trend: pneumonia is clearly on the increase in France in 2025. And several factors are contributing to this worrying increase.
- 1. The intense circulation of respiratory viruses. “Pneumonia appears to be on the rise in France due to the intense circulation of respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV and COVID-19, favoring bacterial superinfections. announces Dr. Kierzek. Simultaneous epidemics — pre-epidemic flu, massive bronchiolitis, lingering COVID — create fertile ground;
- 2. Superinfections after flu. The flu damages the cilia in the airways, leaving the lungs defenseless. “Pneumonia often occurs after the fluwhen bacteria easily colonize weakened alveoli”;
- 3. The aging of the population. An obvious fact that gradually shapes our infections. “Seniors have weakened immunity, less efficient breathing, and are therefore particularly vulnerable” supports our expert;
- 4. Lifestyles : smoking, sedentary lifestyle, overweight. Finally, the risk increases significantly in smokers, overweight people, very sedentary individuals, or with respiratory or cardiac comorbidities.
These signs that should alert you
Are you worried about pneumonia? Certain symptoms can put you on the path and prompt you to seek medical attention quickly. Dr Gérald Kierzek details the typical signs:
- A high fever (>38.5°C);
- A productive cough (purulent sputum);
- Chest pain when breathing;
- Shortness of breath, rapid breathing;
- Intense fatigue, general malaise.
In elderly or immunocompromised people, atypical signs may also occur such as confusion, a drop in temperature (hypothermia) or even a sudden worsening of a simple respiratory infection.
“A
chest x-ray and a blood test (elevated CRP, leukocytosis) can help with the diagnosis, but are not always essential. indicates the expert.
The treatment of pneumonia, for its part, depends on its cause:
Bacterial pneumonia: requires an antibiotic started quickly.
Hospitalization may be required in the event of serious signs (impaired consciousness, impairment of vital functions, etc.) or factors increasing the risk of death, such as age over 65 or a chronic illness. Approximately 15 to 20% of pneumococcal pneumonia results in hospitalization.
Viral pneumonia is often benign and generally does not require any specific treatment, apart from medication to reduce fever.
A control x-ray is recommended 3 weeks to 1 month after the end of the episode, especially if the pneumonia has been severe.
How to protect yourself from pneumonia? Dr. Kierzek’s advice
The emergency doctor insists: prevention is very effective, especially among the most vulnerable. It consists of several actions:
- Vaccinate against influenza, pneumococcus and COVID-19, particularly in vulnerable subjects;
- Apply barrier gestures: hand washing, mask in case of crowds or symptoms, ventilation, avoid contact when you are sick, etc.
- Maintain your healthy lifestyle. Prioritize regular physical activity, maintain good sleep, limit alcohol and stop smoking.