Pneumonia: Why you shouldn’t underestimate this pulmonary predator

Sam Neill, a much-beloved actor known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the classic film Jurassic Park, recently passed away as a result of pneumonia. While Dr. Grant survived being hunted by prehistoric predators, Sam Neill himself couldn’t outrun or hide from the damage pneumonia did to his lungs.  

What makes pneumonia so dangerous, and why does this pulmonary predator often get underestimated? Christian Baker, MD, explained what you need to know about pneumonia.  

Welcome to … Thoracic Park  

“One of the reasons pneumonia is so dangerous is summed up by Jeff Goldbloom’s character Dr. Ian Malcolm within the film,” said Dr. Baker. “Life finds a way. Unfortunately, so do the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.” 

In Jurassic Park, the greatest danger wasn’t obvious at first. What seemed manageable quickly became life-threatening. Pneumonia can behave the same way, at first seeming like just a bad chest cold or a lingering cough that won’t quit. Nothing serious, right?  

In truth, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death worldwide, especially among older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems.  

What is pneumonia?  

“Think of your lungs as the lush jungle forests in the movie,” said Dr. Baker. “Normally, millions of tiny tree shaped air sacs called alveoli fill with the air we breathe and exchange oxygen through the tissue into our bloodstreams efficiently. With pneumonia, those air sacs become inflamed and fill with fluids or pus, making it difficult for oxygen to reach your bloodstream.” 

The result can range from mild illness to respiratory failure. 

What causes pneumonia to develop? 

“In the film, the danger wasn’t just due to Dennis Nedry’s sabotage of the computerized security system,” said Dr. Baker. “There were also velociraptors constantly testing the fences, an attempt to control gene expression gone wrong and the general overconfidence of everyone involved. Any one of those things could have led to disaster. Similarly, there isn’t a single cause of pneumonia.” 

Common causes include: 

• Bacteria (especially Streptococcus pneumoniae)  
• Viruses, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19  
• Fungi, a less common cause that usually affects people with weakened immune systems 

Just like the storm on the island in the film taking down the park defenses and a power outage and Nedry’s sabotage leaving the park open to attack by its own dinosaurs, pneumonia can sometimes develop when a cold or influenza has left the lungs more vulnerable to serious infection. 

Symptoms of pneumonia  

“Much like how the letter p in pterodactyl and pneumonia is silent, pneumonia often starts quietly,” said Dr. Baker. “Initial symptoms mimic a cold or flu, like fever and chills, a persistent cough that might be wet or dry and fatigue.” 

Other symptoms of pneumonia include:  

• Shortness of breath  
• Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths  
• Confusion, particularly in older adults 

Children and older adults may not have classic symptoms, making diagnosis more challenging. 

How is pneumonia diagnosed and treated?  

“Doctors typically diagnose pneumonia through a medical history and physical exam, including listening to the lungs, measuring oxygen levels and a chest X-ray,” said Dr. Baker. “There might also be a need to test blood or saliva.” 

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause: 

• Antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia  
• Antiviral medications in selected viral cases  
• Oxygen therapy if oxygen levels are low  
• Fluids, rest and fever control  
• Hospitalization for severe illness 

What makes pneumonia so dangerous for some people?  

“In Jurassic Park, its sequels and even in the Jurassic World movies, not everyone is facing the same level of risk from the dinosaurs,” said Dr. Baker. “The same is true with pneumonia.” 

Higher-risk groups include:  

• Adults 65 and older  
• Children under 2  
• People with underlying lung disease like asthma or COPD  
• Those with heart disease or diabetes  
• Smokers  
• People receiving chemotherapy or taking immune-suppressing medications  
• Anyone with a weakened immune system 

In these groups, pneumonia can progress rapidly and lead to serious complications.  

Can pneumonia be fatal?  

“The simple answer is that yes, pneumonia can absolutely be fatal,” said Dr. Baker. “Although many people recover completely, pneumonia can lead to respiratory failure or sepsis, an infection in the bloodstream. Organs may fail, which can lead to death.” 

This is especially true in vulnerable populations or when treatment is delayed, making it incredibly important that you seek treatment as soon as possible when you have symptoms suggesting pneumonia. 

Can pneumonia be prevented?  

“Dr. Grant tried warning everyone about the potential risks and dangers of Jurassic Park, but nobody listened,” said Dr. Baker. “When it comes to pneumonia, listen to your doctor, even if they don’t have quite the same presence as Sam Neill.” 

The best defenses against pneumonia include:  

• Staying up to date on pneumococcal vaccines if eligible
  • If you were 17 or older when Jurassic Park came out (i.e., anyone 50 and up), it’s time to get your vaccine. The vaccine is also indicated for anyone 19-49 with a compromised immune system. 
• Annual influenza vaccination  
• COVID-19 vaccination when recommended  
• Frequent handwashing  
• Avoiding smoking  
• Managing chronic medical conditions  
• Seeking medical care promptly if respiratory symptoms worsen 

One of the memorable lessons of Jurassic Park is that underestimating danger can have serious consequences.  

“Pneumonia is often dismissed as “just a lung infection,” but it can become life-threatening, particularly for older adults and people with underlying medical conditions,” said Dr. Baker. “Recognizing the symptoms early, seeking timely treatment and staying current on recommended vaccinations can dramatically improve outcomes.” 

After all, not every dangerous predator announces itself with a roar.