Pneumonia

My four year old nephew was diagnosed several months ago with pneumonia (don't know which kind though), spent 10 days in the hospital and was supposedly better. But months later he is still coughing, sometimes sneezing, and seems to get a fever every few days. He goes to the doctor and is told it is just a cold. Can it really take this long to recover? Also, should I be concerned about exposing my 16 month old to him (well, too late anyhow)? She still BF and is very healthy, plus everyone tells me whatever he has in not contagious because it his compromised immune system that is enabling him to pick up every germ out there. Here in Japan I am told it is rude to contiually ask if other kids' illnesses are contagious, but I can't help it! Anyhow, I will have a hard time keeping my daughter away from one of her favorite playmates. Any info. or advice? Thanks!

Thanks for your input, Ruth. Does anyone know if recovery from pneumonia normally takes so long? Every few days he comes down with another fever, goes to the doc for meds, told it's just a cold, etc... They have tested his urine and blood, so I don't think he has another bout of the pneumonia....