Viral pneumonia is pneumonia that develops as a result of a viral infection in the lungs. The symptoms of viral pneumonia are often similar to those of bacterial pneumonia, but, depending on the virus responsible, there may be a few additional symptoms.
A wide range of viruses can cause viral pneumonia, including influenza and coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Viral pneumonia is often mild, but in rare cases, it can be life-threatening.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of viral pneumonia can range in severity and may include the following:
- fever
- A cough that is likely to be dry initially but may produce yellow or green mucus
- Shortness of breath
- shaking
- chills
- My muscles ache.
- fatigue
- malaise
- weakness
- loss of appetite.
- blue tint to the lips
Some people with viral pneumonia may also have a sore throat or a headache, depending on the underlying cause of the infection. Viral pneumonia tends to present differently in each age group.
Young children with viral pneumonia generally have mild symptoms that gradually worsen. A child with viral pneumonia may develop noticeable wheezing, and their skin and lips often take on a blue tint due to a lack of oxygen. They are also likely to lose their appetite.
On the other hand, adults over the age of 65 years may experience abnormally low body temperatures, confusion, and dizziness.
Causes
A wide range of viruses can cause viral pneumonia, including Trusted Source:
- The influenza A, B, and C viruses are the most common types of influenza.
- Coronaviruses, such as the ones that cause COVID-19, Middle East respiratory disease (MERS), and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), as well as the parainfluenza virus
- Bronchitis and some common colds are caused by adenoviruses.
- Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
- The respiratory syncytial virus, which is most dangerous in young children but can affect adults of all ages, causes cold-like symptoms.
Viruses spread easily when affected people sneeze or cough. A person can also get an infection if they come into contact with a contaminated surface.
COVID-19
Coronaviruses, a large family of viruses that cause respiratory illness, can lead to viral pneumonia. They include SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Trusted Source declared the viral outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
According to the WHOTrusted Source, most reported cases are relatively mild—81% of people have an illness that causes no complications, while 14% will develop a serious illness and need oxygen therapy, and 5% will need treatment in an intensive care unit.
Severe pneumonia is among the most common complications resulting from severe COVID-19. It may develop by the end of the first week of the infection source.
People with preexisting health conditions and older adults are more likely to develop severe pneumonia from SARS-CoV-2. The situation is still developing, so these findings and figures may change.
What are the risk factors?
Viral pneumonia can affect anyone, as the viruses that cause it are very contagious.
However, the following factors may increase a person’s risk of developing viral pneumonia:
- being over the age of 65 or being under the age of two.
- Living in a group situation, such as a nursing home, prison, or dorm, has its advantages and disadvantages.
- Working in a hospital or a nursing home is a rewarding experience.
- Tobacco consumption
- Is it more common to abuse alcohol or illegal drugs?
- having a persistent condition, such as a heart, lung, or autoimmune disease
- Having a weakened immune system as a result of cancer or HIV
- I’m getting better after a recent viral infection.
Viral pneumonia vs. bacterial pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. Doctors classify pneumonia according to its cause. The usual causes of pneumonia include:
- bacteria
- viruses
- Fungal infections
Bacterial and viral pneumonia are more common than pneumonia resulting from fungal infections.
Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae cause bacterial pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia.
The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia may include:
- very high fever
- shaking chills, or rigors
- rapid breathing
- shortness of breath
- a cough with blood or mucus
- tiredness or lack of energy
Viral pneumonia may have some of the same symptoms, but the symptoms tend to be less severe.
Bacterial pneumonia requires treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics do not help treat viral pneumonia unless there is a secondary bacterial cause.
Diagnosis
A doctor will be able to diagnose viral pneumonia.
They will generally begin by asking about any symptoms and carrying out a physical examination. As part of the examination, the doctor will listen to the lungs for any abnormal sounds that may indicate pneumonia.
These sounds may include crackling in the lungs or wheezing while breathing. A doctor will also check for a rapid heart rate and decreased airflow.
If the doctor suspects that pneumonia may be present, they are likely to order some of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- chest X-ray
- nasal swab to check for viruses
- sputum culture of the mucus from the lungs
- blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) to look for inflammatory markers
- arterial blood gas test
The tests that the doctor decides to order will depend on the severity of a person’s symptoms and whether they are in one of the higher risk groups.
When to see a doctor
People with a higher risk of developing pneumonia should see a doctor or visit an emergency room immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms alongside any of the following:
- Chest pain
- A high fever
- There is confusion in older adults.
- difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
Pneumonia can be extremely serious in higher-risk individuals. These people will need immediate treatment for the best outcome.
What are the treatment options?
Virus-induced pneumonia normally clears up on its own. As a result, treatment focuses on reducing the severity of some of the symptoms. A person suffering from viral pneumonia should get plenty of rest and consume enough fluids to stay hydrated.
Cough-relieving medication may be prescribed by a doctor to help with coughing. Coughing helps eliminate the infection from the lungs, therefore people should only use cough suppressant medicine if and when a doctor advises them to.
A cough expectorant may be prescribed by a doctor for people who have thick lung mucus. A doctor may give antiviral medicine to suppress viral activity in some cases of viral pneumonia. When the virus is in its early stages of infection, this treatment is most successful.
In rare instances, a doctor may hospitalize a person with viral pneumonia. People over the age of 65 or with chronic health conditions are more likely to need hospital care. The very young are also at higher risk for serious viral pneumonia.
Prevention
The viruses that cause viral pneumonia are contagious. During the cold and flu season, a person can take steps to stay healthy. These steps may protect against viral pneumonia and other viral illnesses.
Some techniques that people can use to try to prevent getting sick include:
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.
- Getting a flu shot
- Avoid touching the nose or mouth.
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Practice physical distancing, including staying away from people who are sneezing and coughing.
Takeaway
Most people with viral pneumonia recover within a few weeks. However, some people may take several weeks to recover fully, especially those who have a weakened immune system or are over the age of 65.
While viral pneumonia can be contagious, a person can practice good hygiene and self-care to lower their risk of getting the infection.