If you are diagnosed with pneumonia, you should take it seriously and take care of your child. Most people with pneumonia can recover with antibiotics and rest. However, most children with pneumonia need to be hospitalized, and those with severe infection may also need to be admitted to the ICU (intensive care unit) and placed on life support. Severe pneumonia can lead to death, especially in the elderly, young children, or those with other medical problems. In the United States, the overall in-hospital mortality rate for pneumonia is less than 5 percent. However, in other parts of the world, pneumonia has a much higher morbidity and mortality rate. The duration of pneumonia is usually short, but sometimes it can last longer or get worse before it gets better. However, most patients make a full recovery. However, patients with severe infections are often at risk for residual lung damage.