Viruses that cause pneumonia travel through the air in droplets of fluid after someone sneezes or coughs. Viral pneumonias can occur as a simple viral infection, or it can be commonly complicated by super added bacterial infection. The most common symptoms of pneumonia are: Cough (with some pneumonias you may cough up mucus, or even bloody mucus) Fever; Shaking chills; Shortness of breath (may only occur when you exert yourself) Other symptoms include: Confusion, often in older people REFERENCE:Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Most people can manage their symptoms such as fever and cough at home by following these steps: Often, pneumonia begins after an infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). viral pneumonia – most commonly caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and sometimes influenza type A or B; viruses are a common cause of pneumonia in young children aspiration pneumonia – caused by breathing in vomit, a foreign object, such as a peanut, or a harmful substance, such as smoke or a chemical Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older) 3. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The symptoms of viral pneumonia usually develop over a period of several days. ©2018 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. Pneumonia often makes it quite difficult to breathe and causes a severe cough. [symptoma.com] Symptoms and Signs Viral pneumonia causes cough with fever, chills and rapid breathing. It is a very serious disease and commonly affects children and aged individuals. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Fatigue 5. Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. Signs of this potentially fatal complication. Pneumonia: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments and More. If a virus is causing your pneumonia, antibiotics won’t help. Viral pneumonia in elderly persons. See Additional Information. The same steps you would take to try to prevent the flu also help lower your chance of pneumonia. About 30% of pneumonia cases reported in the United States are viral. Causes of most viral pneumonias can be Influenza A and B, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, usually in children), Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and rarely, Varicella viruses. Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild (cold- or flu-like symptoms) sometimes called “walking pneumonia” to severe. Viral Pneumonia is typically less severe than a bacterial pneumonia. If your lungs are invaded with bacteria, you might also get some of the same symptoms as bacterial pneumonia, like: A wet, gunky cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus Chills … Viral Pneumonia may occur with the following signs and symptoms: Cough; in some cases, mucus may be coughed-up Pneumonia is an infection of 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 … You might take over-the-counter medicines to fight your fever and ease pain. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia? There is no specific cure for viral pneumonia … Viral pneumonia is a pneumonia caused by a virus. Children with viral pneumonia can also develop bacterial pneumonia. Next: Diagnosis and Tests. If the cause of the pneumonia is a virus, then it is known as viral pneumonia. The common pathogens causing viral pneumonias are influenza, parainfluenza, and measles. Varicella infections can cause severe pneumonia, if complicated. infections centerTopic Guide. What is viral pneumonia? Common symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm) difficulty breathing – your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting These fluids can get into your body through your nose or mouth. Check in with your doctor after treatment to make sure your lungs are clear. The symptoms of viral pneumonia develop gradually over a couple of days while bacterial pneumonia tends to develop rapid symptoms. You can also get viral pneumonia after touching a virus-covered doorknob or keyboard and then touching your mouth or nose. It is most common in young children, peaking between ages 2 and 3. They may also put a camera down your throat to check your airways. The analyses revealed two phases of infection in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Older adults have a higher chance of developing complications of severe pneumonia. Viruses that can lead to pneumonia include: Other viruses that more rarely cause pneumonia include herpes simplex, measles, and chickenpox. Even worse, the symptoms can last for months. In the U.S., about 30% of pneumonias are viral. Hope the above information has helped you understand the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia better. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children, while in adults bacteria are a more common cause. The treatment for Pneumonia depends on the causative organism, severity of the symptoms, age and overall health. There are not many symptoms characteristic for viral pneumonia. The patient may feel weak and tired and the muscles may be achy. They mostly include low grade fever and chills, possibly with sweating. CDC: “Types of influenza viruses,” “Respiratory syncytial virus infection,” “Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs),” “Adenoviruses,” “About coronavirus,” “Common colds: Protect yourself and others,” “How flu spreads,” “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV): Transmission and prevention,” “CDC says ‘Take 3’ actions to fight the flu,” “Pneumonia can be prevented -- vaccines can help.”, UpToDate: “Respiratory syncytial virus infection: Treatment,” “Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).”. When you have pneumonia, it’s important to get plenty of rest. Viral pneumonia is caused by a virus. You may be confused or have aches and pains instead of the following more typical symptoms: Cough, which may or may not bring up mucus Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or chills Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or wheezing The pulmonary alveoli fill with fluid or pus making it difficult to breathe. 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