Viral pneumonia is a type of infection that causes inflammation of the lungs. Microorganisms like viruses stick to the upper part of your respiratory system and then get down into your lungs, causing infection and filling up the lungs with fluid. The most common cause of this infection is the flu, but you can also get viral pneumonia from the common cold and other viruses.
Common viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronaviruses, and influenza can contribute to the early onset of viral pneumonia. Most cases of viral pneumonia are mild and resolve on their own. However, in some cases, it can become severe and require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms
The symptoms of viral pneumonia can range in severity and may include the following:
Dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness or weakness, excessive sweating, headache, chills that make you shiver, extreme chest pain, and blue lips and fingernails.
Causes
- Common cold (rhinovirus).
- COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2).
- Influenza A, B, and C viruses
- Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV).
- Legionnaires’ disease.
- Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria.
- Pneumococcal disease.
- Adenoviruses, which cause bronchitis and some common colds
- Varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is most serious in young children but can cause cold-like symptoms in people of all ages.
Treatment
Antiviral medications
Viral pneumonia is usually not treated with medication and might resolve on its own. Antivirals such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or peramivir (Rapivab) may be prescribed by a doctor to shorten the duration of your illness and the severity of your symptoms caused by a virus.
Oxygen therapy
In severe cases, when you are unable to breathe, doctors may give you additional oxygen via a tube in your nose or a mask on your face.
IV fluids
To prevent dehydration, fluids are delivered directly to your vein (IV).
Draining of fluids
Healthcare professionals may drain any large amounts of fluid that are between your lungs and chest wall (pleural effusion). Either surgery or a catheter is used for this.
Prevention
Here are some tips that may prevent you from getting and spreading pneumonia:
- Get your vaccination done.
- Wash your hands properly, especially after you go to the restroom and before you eat.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Do proper exercise and get enough sleep.
- Quit smoking and avoid excessive drinking.
- Avoid close contact and sharing items with other people if either of you has an infectious disease.
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