Search results
Apr 19, 2023 · Viral pneumonia is an infection of your lungs caused by a virus. The most common cause is the flu, but you can also get viral pneumonia from the common cold and other viruses. These...
- Overview
- Symptoms of viral pneumonia in adults and children
- Who’s at risk for catching viral pneumonia?
- What causes viral pneumonia?
- When to see your doctor
- How is viral pneumonia diagnosed?
- The difference between viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia
- What’s the treatment for viral pneumonia?
- How do I prevent viral pneumonia if it’s contagious?
- How long does viral pneumonia last?
What is viral pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in your lungs. The main causes of pneumonia are bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. This article is about viral pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia is a complication of the viruses that cause colds and the flu. It accounts for about one third of pneumonia cases. The virus invades your lungs and causes them to swell, blocking your flow of oxygen.
Many cases of viral pneumonia clear up on their own within a few weeks. However, severe cases can be life-threatening. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ranked pneumonia combined with the flu as the 8th leading cause of death in the U.S.
The symptoms of pneumonia occur when your lungs become inflamed as they try to fight off a viral infection. This inflammation blocks the flow of oxygen and gas exchange in the lungs.
Early symptoms of pneumonia are a lot like flu symptoms. These include:
•cough with yellow or green mucus
•fever
•shaking or chills
•fatigue
Everyone has some risk of catching viral pneumonia, since it’s airborne and contagious. You may have a higher risk of developing pneumonia if you:
•work or live in a hospital or nursing care setting
•are 65 years of age or older
•are 2 years or younger
•are pregnant
Having a weakened or suppressed immune system due to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressant medications also increases your risk for pneumonia and its complications.
The virus travels through the air in a number of ways. Coughing, sneezing, or touching a contaminated surface are common ways for the virus to spread.
Several viruses can lead to viral pneumonia, including:
•adenoviruses, which can also cause the common cold and bronchitis
•chickenpox (Varicella zoster virus)
•flu (influenza viruses)
•respiratory syncytial virus, which causes cold-like symptoms
Pneumonia can be a very serious condition for people in the high-risk group. See your doctor as soon as you show signs or symptoms of pneumonia. Go to the emergency room if you feel flu-like symptoms along with:
•confusion
•rapid breathing
•a drop in blood pressure
•difficulty breathing
•a constant fever of 102.0˚F or above
Only a doctor can diagnose pneumonia. At the office, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and perform a physical exam. First, they’ll listen to your lungs for the following sounds when you breathe:
•decreased air flow
•crackling in the lungs
•wheezing when breathing
•rapid heart rate
Your doctor will usually follow up with additional tests if they’re concerned about the sounds that your lungs are making. These tests could include a(n):
Treatment is the biggest difference between bacterial and viral pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotic therapy, while viral pneumonia will usually get better on its own. In some cases, viral pneumonia can lead to a secondary bacterial pneumonia. At that point, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. Your doctor will be able...
Home care
Most people can be treated at home for viral pneumonia. The goal of treatment is to ease the symptoms of infection. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking a cough suppressant medicine, since coughing will help in your recovery. Children will usually follow the common treatment during their recovery, but it’s always best to check with a medical professional for treatment guidelines for your child.
Medical treatment
Depending on the type of infection you have, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to reduce viral activity. Your doctor may prescribe one if your condition is diagnosed early. It’s important to understand that antibiotics will not treat viral pneumonia, because a virus, not bacteria, causes it. Older adults and people with chronic health conditions may need to stay in the hospital for extra care and to avoid dehydration. Older adults may also be given an antiviral medication, which may help them to recover more quickly.
Flu vaccine
The flu virus can be a direct cause of viral pneumonia. The CDC says that everyone 6 months or older should get the seasonal flu vaccine. The only exceptions are people who have had allergic reactions to flu vaccines or eggs, and people who have had Guillain-Barre syndrome. If you’re sick at the time you’re supposed to get a flu shot, wait until you’re feeling better to get it. Read more: Vaccine timeline for adults »
Your recovery time depends on how healthy you were before you were diagnosed with viral pneumonia. A young, healthy adult will usually recover faster than other age groups. Most people recover in a week or two. Adults or seniors may take several weeks before they fully recover.
The best way to prevent pneumonia is to practice good hygiene, get the seasonal flu shot every year, and try to avoid those around you who are sick with a cold or the flu.
Apr 23, 2020 · Viral pneumonia is pneumonia that develops as a result of a viral infection in the lungs. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, shortness of breath, chills, fatigue, and...
Jun 13, 2020 · Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
Jul 4, 2023 · Viral pneumonia is defined as a disease entity wherein there is the viral causation of oxygen and carbon dioxide gas exchange abnormalities at the level of the alveoli, secondary to viral-mediated and/or immune response-mediated inflammation.
- Andrew M. Freeman, Townes R. Leigh, Jr
- 2023/07/04
Nov 15, 2022 · Symptoms of viral pneumonia. Symptoms of viral pneumonia usually develop over several days. You might have symptoms similar to bacterial pneumonia or you might additionally have: Dry cough. Headache. Muscle pain. Extreme tiredness or weakness. Symptoms of pneumonia in young children
Dec 4, 2023 · RSV is an infection that commonly affects the upper respiratory system. It is usually mild, but in infants and those with compromised immune systems, it can cause severe respiratory symptoms. The infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia.
