Food Safety When a Household Member Has Pneumonia

Do not consume food that has been coughed or sneezed on. Respiratory droplets contain viable pathogens (viruses, bacteria). Pneumonia—whether viral, bacterial, or fungal—can be contagious.

Precautions

• Discard contaminated food.
• Ill person: mask, separate utensils, frequent hand hygiene.
• Prepare fresh portions for others.
• Clean high-touch surfaces.

If the ill person is your spouse, sleeping separately and masking during close contact further reduces transmission risk.