Chronic pneumonia is not contagious. Chronic pneumonia is mostly due to the pathogen infecting the upper respiratory tract and spreading downward to the lungs where the acute inflammation is not completely cured, leading to recurrent episodes. Generally speaking, the so-called chronic pneumonia is due to incomplete treatment of pneumonia, resulting in mechanized pneumonia. This is why it will show up as a well-defined, dense shadow on imaging. This condition is generally not contagious to those who come in contact with it. It is important to note that patients need to seek prompt medical attention when symptoms occur to avoid delays in treatment.