WHAT IS VIRAL PNEUMONIA

Viral pneumonia is a lung infection caused by viruses. Children and older adults more commonly get viral pneumonia. Bacteria cause most cases of pneumonia in adults. Viral pneumonia symptoms can be mild or life-threatening and include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, fever, and chills. Older adults, young children, people with a weak immune system, and those with chronic medical conditions are more at risk for complications from pneumonia. Treatment for pneumonia may include rest and self-care at home, or hospitalization and oxygen therapy, depending on the severity of symptoms. Antiviral medications can treat pneumonia caused by the influenza virus. Most people recover from viral pneumonia in about 1 to 3 weeks.

SYMPTOMS OF VIRAL PNEUMONIA 

Cough, Body aches or pains, Fever, Labored breathing, Joint aches, Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Difficulty talking

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Diagnosis: Physical examination, review of medical history followed by blood tests, chest X-ray, and sputum testing if recommended by the Doctor

Treatment: Treatment for viral pneumonia may include: 

1.Antiviral therapy 

2 Oxygen

Self Care: Pneumonia can be serious, so it's important to see your doctor before treating pneumonia with self-care. 

Self-care for pneumonia may include: 

1.Getting plenty of rest 

2.Not smoking 

3.Taking pain relievers if needed; don't give aspirin to children and teens, as it may cause Reye's syndrome, a rare, but fatal, condition 

4.Drinking plenty of fluids 

Coughing helps clear the infection from your lungs, so talk with your doctor before using any cough syrup.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you have symptoms of viral pneumonia, call your doctor. Also call your doctor if symptoms of cold or flu don't improve or get worse. Seek immediate medical help if you have difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, severe chest pain, cough up blood, or become dehydrated.