Viral Pneumonia

VIRAL PNEUMONIA

Viral pneumonia is a lung infection that can occur in anyone of any age, but is more common in young children and the elderly. Common causes include Influenza A or B (“the flu”), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, and adenovirus. Worldwide, viral pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children younger than 5 years old.

IS IT CONTAGIOUS?

Because it is caused by infectious microbes, viral pneumonia is contagious. However, this lung infection is considered less contagious than the flu. Your risk rises if you smoke or have certain underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

You may spit up phlegm and experience fever, chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sweating, clammy skin, and confusion (especially in the elderly).

Unlike bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics won’t help if you have viral pneumonia. A doctor may prescribe antiviral medications. Because different viruses may cause pneumonia, your doctor will choose different treatment drugs depending on the infecting microbe.

Viral pneumonia can often be prevented with vaccines for the instigating viruses (the flu shot, for example). In addition, cleanliness can help prevent the spread of pneumonia-causing viruses: wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (especially before eating or preparing food), stay away from people who seem ill and keep your hands away from your eyes, ears, nose and mouth.