In severe cases, pneumonia can lead to respiratory failure, sepsis or damage to other organs.In 2024, influenza and pneumonia together caused over 3,600 deaths in Australia, according to the Hudson Institute of Medical Research.According to the WHO, it is the leading infectious cause of death in children worldwide Pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract diseases rank as the fourth leading cause of death globally.Although pneumonia can affect people of any age, some groups are more likely to become seriously ill.According to Australian health authorities, these include:While not all cases of pneumonia can be prevented, the WHO says there are several ways to reduce the risk:Australian health authorities also recommend pneumococcal vaccination for children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions.