Viral pneumonia: What to know

Viral pneumonia is the second most common type of pneumonia, after bacterial pneumonia. However, viral pneumonia is more difficult to treat because antibiotics do not work with viral strains.

Viral pneumonia is a common medical condition caused by viral infections, and organizations in the lungs become inflamed, which in turns affects the functioning of the lungs. Viral pneumonia can occur from mild to life-threatening severity.

Some common viruses that cause pneumonia include:

• Influenza typ A and influenza typ B (influenza virus) are the most common causes of viral pneumonia in adults.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of pneumonia in children and especially young children.
• Other viruses such as corona virus, rhino virus, parainfluenza virus, and adeno virus.

Some viruses although capable, but rarely cause pneumonia include measles virus, chickenpox virus, herpes simplex.

The virus that causes pneumonia spreads easily between humans through droplets when the person who is sick coughs or sneezes. Viral droplets enter the person who is not sick through the nose or mouth. Besides the droplet line, the virus is also easily transmitted through the hand, because after contact with high-risk items containing the virus (door handles, elevator buttons,…), the hand is easy to get the virus into the body when touching the mouth or nose.

Common signs and symptoms of viral pneumonia include:

• Dry cough
• fever
• Chills, or cold tremors
• Shortness of breath, rapid breathing
• Chest pain, increased pain with cough or when breathing in

Diagnosis of viral pneumonia usually only requires a physical examination, if necessary, additional blood tests and chest x-rays can be conducted.

Treatment of viral pneumonia will in principle not use antibiotics, since antibiotics only work on bacteria. Depending on the degree and causes of pneumonia, your doctor may consider prescribing antiviral drugs:

• If the patient is sick with influenza virus, the doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or peramivir (Rapivab). These antiviral drugs have the effect of limiting the viral contraction in the body.
• If the patient is infected with respiratory ho cellular virus (RSV), the doctor may prescribe ribavirin (Virazol).

Besides antiviral drugs, the doctor will prescribe additional symptomatic medications, such as analgesic, antipyretic drugs,… In case of severe viral pneumonia, the patient needs to be admitted to the hospital for additional support with the necessary treatment interventions. In addition to taking the medicine prescribed by the doctor, the patient needs to increase rest and drink enough water.

Viral pneumonia cannot be completely preventable, but following these simple methods will help limit the likelihood of viral pneumonia:

• Vaccination – annual influenza vaccination.
• Wash your hands properly with soap.
• Avoid contact with people who present with the disease.
• Avoid putting your hands on your eyes, nose, mouth, ears.

Viral pneumonia is a dangerous disease, especially with the new strain of COVID-19 virus. To prevent the viruses that cause pneumonia, you should get the flu shot every year, with children needing to get a full range of vaccines against the disease. Make cooked meals, drink boiling, maintain nutrition, rest, practice sports properly. When symptoms of pneumonia appear, patients should go to medical facilities for examination and treatment.

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Article reference source: webmd.com