Incubation period can be defined as the time taken from being infected with the bacteria or virus to development of symptoms. The germs causing pneumonia are contagious and spread from an infected person to a healthy person by cough or sneeze, sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils, or by using dirty tissues or handkerchiefs of the infected person.
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Factors which determine the incubation period include the type of bacteria or virus causing pneumonia, age of the person and overall health.
The incubation period for the most of the bacteria and viruses which cause pneumonia ranges from 1 day to 1 week. Incubation period of some of the common bacteria and virus are given in table 1.
Organism |
Incubation period |
Respiratory syncytial virus |
1 to 4 days |
Influenza virus |
18 to 72 hours |
Streptococcus pneumonia |
1-3 days |
Klebsiella Pneumonia |
1-3 days |
Mycoplasma Pneumonia |
2-10 days |
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