Pneumonia is the inflammation of the alveoli or the air sacs of the lungs. Your doctor’s diagnosis will depend on how severe your infection is. Signs and symptoms of viral pneumonia common to most viral lung infections include low fever (less than 102 F), coughing up some mucus, tiredness and muscle aches. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that may occur due to viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Severe infections of some viruses like Influenza A type H1N1 may cause death in some patients. Older adults have a higher chance of developing complications of severe pneumonia. ©2018 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs. Next: Diagnosis and Tests. Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild (cold- or flu-like symptoms) sometimes called “walking pneumonia” to severe. You might take over-the-counter medicines to fight your fever and ease pain. National Institutes of Health: “What is pneumonia?” “What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?” “How is pneumonia treated?” “Living with pneumonia,” “What causes pneumonia?”. RSV infections are commonly seen among infants. During the later stages of the illness, symptoms may worsen, the fever may become higher, and coughing may bring up discolored phlegm (mucus). If your symptoms are serious, and you are 65 or older (or an infant or young child), your doctor might want to test some of your fluids. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. home Symptoms of pneumonia, according to Medline Plus, include shortness of breath, fever, chills, cough (often with phlegm), chest pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These fluids can get into your body through your nose or mouth. Sometimes, though, symptom management and rest are all that is needed. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Headache is also often present as a symptom of viral pneumonia. [symptoma.com] Symptoms and Signs Viral pneumonia causes cough with fever, chills and rapid breathing. Sometimes, chest X-rays can hint at whether a pneumonia is viral … Viral pneumonia is usually less serious than bacterial pneumonia. Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia Pneumonia often starts with symptoms typical of a cold or upper respiratory infection, like sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough. The symptoms of viral pneumonia develop gradually over a couple of days while bacterial pneumonia tends to develop rapid symptoms. They may also put a camera down your throat to check your airways. Most people can manage their symptoms such as fever and cough at home by following these steps: "When you start getting a fever and a cough and … Viral Pneumonia is typically less severe than a bacterial pneumonia. Causes of most viral pneumonias can be Influenza A and B, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, usually in children), Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and rarely, Varicella viruses. They mostly include low grade fever and chills, possibly with sweating. Signs and symptoms of viral pneumonia common to most viral lung infections include low fever (less than 102 F), coughing up some mucus, tiredness and muscle aches. The common pathogens causing viral pneumonias are influenza, parainfluenza, and measles. The same steps you would take to try to prevent the flu also help lower your chance of pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that is usually caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The symptoms of walking pneumonia may come on slowly, beginning one to four weeks after exposure. This inflammation blocks the flow of … All rights reserved. Symptoms of viral pneumonia often begin slowly and may not be severe at first. Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older) 3. Saunders, 2012. Fatigue 5. Varicella infections can cause severe pneumonia, if complicated. As the infection develops in the lung, high fever is apparent along with chills and a cough that produces thick sputum. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both of the lungs. Doctor's Notes on Viral Pneumonia Viral pneumonia is an infection of the lung by a viral type or strain. When you have pneumonia, it’s important to get plenty of rest. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. If you have viral pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat it. Often, pneumonia begins after an infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs, and it can make you feel very sick. Viral pneumonias are usually not very serious, but they can be life-threatening in very old and very young patients and in people whose immune systems are weak. If the cause of the pneumonia is a virus, then it is known as viral pneumonia. This causes fluid to collect in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. The pulmonary alveoli fill with fluid or pus making it difficult to breathe. Viral pneumonia is an infection of the lung by a viral type or strain. Chemical Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs, and it can make you feel very sick. What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial versus viral pneumonia in adults? The treatment for Pneumonia depends on the causative organism, severity of the symptoms, age and overall health. If a virus is causing your pneumonia, antibiotics won’t help. You can also get viral pneumonia after touching a virus-covered doorknob or keyboard and then touching your mouth or nose. REFERENCE:Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Chest pain when you breathe or cough 2. The early phase is defined by high levels of virus in … The symptoms include: cough, cold, fever and chest pain. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and adenoviruses, which can also cause, If you have an influenza virus, your doctor may prescribe medications such as, If RSV is the cause of your pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe a medication such as. Hope the above information has helped you understand the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia better. Viral pneumonia is caused by a virus. Viral pneumonia in elderly persons. In the U.S., about 30% of pneumonias are viral. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor. infections centerTopic Guide. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015. It's usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Occasionally, outbreaks occur with other viruses. 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 Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children, while in adults bacteria are a more common cause. Although, having Viral Pneumonia puts one at risk of developing bacterial pneumonia. See Additional Information. Spiro, S. Clinical Respiratory Medicine, 4th edition. Even worse, the symptoms can last for months. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia? Pneumonia: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments and More. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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 Viruses that cause pneumonia travel through the air in droplets of fluid after someone sneezes or coughs. 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 Check in with your doctor after treatment to make sure your lungs are clear. How serious your case of pneumonia depends on the particular germ causing pneumonia, your overall health, and your age. It is most common in young children, peaking between ages 2 and 3. About 30% of pneumonia cases reported in the United States are viral. If you have mild symptoms, your doctor may suggest blood tests or a chest X-ray. There are not many symptoms characteristic for viral pneumonia. Severe viral infection signs and symptoms may include persistent cough, short of breath, severe chest pain and weakness, coughing up blood, vomiting, dehydration, unable to eat or drink. Elderly persons are at increased risk of infection and complications in viral pneumonia because of comorbidities. 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 … Pneumonia can also develop if foreign material, such as food or stomach acid, is inhaled into the lungs. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: 1. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. Viral pneumonia Pneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. Your doctor may give you an antiviral medication. In severe cases, you may need to stay in the hospital to get help breathing. Pneumonia leaves you coughing, feeling exhausted and uncomfortable. Symptoms of viral pneumonia. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. It's usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The severity of pneumonia depends on which organism is causing the infection and the immune response of the individual to that infection. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. The symptoms of viral pneumonia usually develop over a period of several days. Children with viral pneumonia can also develop bacterial pneumonia. What is viral pneumonia? The patient may feel weak and tired and the muscles may be achy. Bacterial pneumonia symptoms are more severe than viral pneumonia. … Comments Off on Viral Pneumonia – Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment Being one of the major infectious agents of Pneumonia, Viruses are responsible for causing pneumonia infection among the masses; especially in children and older adults. 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 Viral Pneumonia. It is a very serious disease and commonly affects children and aged individuals. Waning cellular, humoral, and innate immune functioning may impair viral clearance, which allows spread of the virus to the lower respiratory tract resulting in increased inflammation. Symptoms signal that the body is ramping up its immune response to fight a invading pathogen. The symptoms of pneumonia occur when your lungs become inflamed as they try to fight off a viral infection. There is no specific cure for viral pneumonia … Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Within a day or two, the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain. Signs of this potentially fatal complication. Pneumonia often makes it quite difficult to breathe and causes a severe cough. In the U.S., about 30% of pneumonias are viral. 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).”. Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, malaise, chest pain, and the production of sputum, or phlegm. Causes behind painful breathing, fluid buildup. Viral pneumonia is a pneumonia caused by a virus. Symptoms Symptoms of viral pneumonia include fever, shortness of breath, shaking chills, fatigue, weakness, loss of energy, lips develop bluish, productive cough, running nose, headache and muscle ache. Viral pneumonia causes a dry cough, fever and other symptoms. The analyses revealed two phases of infection in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Viral pneumonias can occur as a simple viral infection, or it can be commonly complicated by super added bacterial infection. Viruses that can lead to pneumonia include: Other viruses that more rarely cause pneumonia include herpes simplex, measles, and chickenpox. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Cough, which may produce phlegm 4. 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