Viral pneumonia is pneumonia that develops as a result of a viral infection in the lungs. As the coronavirus outbreak continues, a host of misconceptions and half-truths surround it. On the other hand, adults over the age of 65 years may experience abnormally low body temperatures, confusion, and dizziness. In the U.S., about 30% of pneumonias are viral. They are also likely to lose their appetite. Further damage to the lungs occurs when the immune system responds to the infection. [13] Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has no direct acting treatments, but ribavirin is indicated for severe cases. The very young are also at higher risk for serious viral pneumonia. Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae cause bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia can cause the small air sacs in your lungs, known as alveoli, to fill with fluid. Typically, a virus will reach the lungs by traveling in droplets through the mouth and nose with inhalation. A wide range of viruses can cause viral pneumonia, including influenza and coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. 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. In this feature, we dispel 28 of these myths. When a doctor listens to the lungs and finds breathing sounds are not clear on either side of the chest, a viral cause over bacterial is even more highly suspected. • Identify the most common features of pulmonary viral infections at thin-section CT. 3. [4] Other ways for a diagnosis to be obtained is by ordering a chest x-ray, blood tests, pulse oximetry, and a medical/family history to see if there are any known risks or previous exposures to a person with viral pneumonia. Recovery times vary a lot from person to person and depend on your general health, age and how severe your pneumonia is. There, the virus invades the cells lining the airways and the alveoli. Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. These steps may protect against viral pneumonia and other viral illnesses. 2. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Viral Post ‘How To Fight Covid at Home’ Provides Problematic Advice Though not all of the post's assertions lack a theoretical basis, their applicability to COVID-19 home care is largely flawed. Although people can treat some at home, other conditions may need medical attention. In some cases of viral pneumonia, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to reduce viral activity. Intimate links between diet, gut microbes, and health identified, First wave of COVID-19 linked to spike in cardiovascular deaths, Vaccines and COVID-19: The latest hopeful research. A doctor will also check for a rapid heart rate and decreased airflow. People should only take cough suppressant medicine if and when a doctor instructs them to because coughing helps clear the infection from the lungs. People over the age of 65 or with chronic health conditions are more likely to need hospital care. Introduction. This live article covers developments regarding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. [3] The samples can then be run through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), allowing for amplification of the virus as that allows better detection if present in the sample. Symptoms. 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. A doctor will be able to diagnose viral pneumonia. According to the WHO, most reported cases are relatively mild — 81% of people have illness that causes no complications, while 14% will develop 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. Differentiating viral and bacterial pneumonia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the viral outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. [13] Herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus infections are usually treated with acyclovir, whilst ganciclovir is used to treat cytomegalovirus. Therefore, treatment focuses on easing some of the symptoms. Elderly persons are at increased risk of infection and complications in viral pneumonia because of comorbidities. Reimann, Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Jefferson Medical College, had established the practice of routinely typing the pneumoccocal organism in cases where pneumonia presented. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which is caused by a virus in the coronavirus family, had a major outbreak in 2003 with an estimated 8,000 cases and 750 deaths. Special Holiday Offers for Online Subscriptions! However, clinicians are not always able to find out which germ caused someone to get sick with pneumonia. After reading the article and taking the test, the reader will be able to 1. While viral pneumonia can be contagious, a person can practice good hygiene and self-care to lower their risk of getting the infection. See Table 2 below. Has the pandemic shifted traditional gender roles in childcare? © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. The situation is still developing, so these findings and figures may change. Special Holiday Offers! Classic Viral Pneumonia. However, the following factors may increase a person’s risk of developing viral pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. Pneumonia is a respiratory disorder which happens because of the inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. Other forms of care are largely supportive like oxygen supplementation, treatment of comorbidities, and controlling other symptoms, fever and cough, with medications.[13]. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of the lungs.The air sacs fill with pus and other liquid, blocking oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. Rarer viruses that commonly result in pneumonia include: Viruses that primarily cause other diseases, but sometimes cause pneumonia include: The most commonly identified agents in children are respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, and parainfluenza viruses.[7]. The viruses that cause viral pneumonia are contagious. Viral respiratory tract infection – Viral respiratory tract infections can lead to primary viral pneumonias and also predispose to secondary bacterial pneumonia. • Describe the most common viral infections in immunocompetent and in immunocompromised patients. This is because their bodies have a harder time fighting off the virus than people with a strong immune system. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, … They are also likely to lose their appetite. Bacterial pneumonia requires treatment with antibiotics. Young children with viral pneumonia generally have mild symptoms that gradually worsen. For those with thick lung mucus, a doctor may prescribe a cough expectorant. [14] Developing countries have a higher rate of incidence when it comes to viral pneumonia. In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Doctors classify pneumonia according to its cause. Symptoms of viral pneumonia include fever, non-productive cough, runny nose, and systemic symptoms (e.g. The best prevention against viral pneumonia is vaccination against influenza, chickenpox (varicella zoster), herpes zoster, measles, respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (RSV), rubella, and adenovirus vaccine. Influenza is spread easily from person to person, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 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. In cases of viral pneumonia where influenza A or B are thought to be causative agents, patients who are seen within 48 hours of symptom onset may benefit from treatment with oseltamivir, or zanamivir, or peramivir. This article intends to review the epidemiology, microbiology, and treatment considerations in bacterial pneumonia associated with influenza. For the latest information on this illness, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site. In a cohort of 310 patients with viral or non-viral community-acquired pneumonia viral pneumonia was associated with: Rhinorrhea, multivariate (OR 3.52; 95% CI, 1.58-7.87) Higher lymphocyte fraction in the white blood cells, The pulmonary alveoli fill with fluid or pus making it difficult to breathe. Different viruses cause different symptoms. 2. Some viruses also make the body more susceptible to bacterial infection; for this reason, bacterial pneumonia often complicates viral pneumonia. Learn more here. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. [1] Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children, while in adults bacteria are a more common cause.[2]. 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