Viral pneumonia: What you need to know

Viral pneumonia is the second most common type of pneumonia, after bacterial pneumonia. However, viral pneumonia will be more difficult to treat because antibiotics are not effective against viral strains.

Viral pneumonia is a common medical condition caused by a viral infection, the tissues in the lungs are inflamed, thereby affecting the functioning of the lungs. Viral pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening.

Some common viruses that cause pneumonia include:
Influenza type A and influenza type 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, though capable, but rarely, of pneumonia include measles virus, chickenpox virus, herpes simplex virus.
The viruses that cause pneumonia are spread easily between people through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets carrying the virus enter an uninfected person through the nose or mouth. Besides the droplet route, the virus is also easily transmitted through the hands, because after coming into contact with high-risk objects containing the virus (doorknobs, elevator buttons, ...) The virus enters the body by touching the mouth or nose.

Common signs and symptoms of viral pneumonia include:
Dry cough Fever Chills, or chills Shortness of breath, rapid breathing Chest pain, pain that increases with coughing or breathing in Diagnosis of viral pneumonia Usually based on clinical examination, blood tests and chest x-ray can be performed if necessary.

Treatment of viral pneumonia in principle will not use antibiotics, because antibiotics only work on bacteria. Depending on the severity and cause of the pneumonia, the doctor may consider appointing an antiviral drug:
If the patient is sick with the flu virus, the doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or peramivir (Rapivab). These antiviral drugs work to limit the replication of the virus in the body. If the patient has a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, the doctor may prescribe ribavirin (Virazol).

In addition to antiviral drugs, the doctor will prescribe additional symptomatic medications, such as pain relievers, fever reducers,... In case of severe viral pneumonia, the patient needs to be hospitalized for support. necessary additional therapeutic interventions. In addition to taking the medicine prescribed by the doctor, the patient needs to rest and drink enough water.

Viral pneumonia cannot be completely prevented, but following these simple steps will help limit your chances of getting viral pneumonia:
Get a flu shot every year. Regularly wash your hands properly with soap. Avoid contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Viral pneumonia is a dangerous disease, especially with the new strain of virus COVID-19. To prevent the viruses that cause pneumonia, you should get a flu shot every year, with children needing to be fully vaccinated against the disease. Eat cooked food, drink boiling water, maintain proper nutrition, rest, and exercise. When symptoms of pneumonia appear, patients should go to medical facilities for examination and treatment.

Periodic health check-ups help detect diseases early, thereby planning treatment for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy, including:
Health checkup package diamond general health check-up package Vip special health check-up package Comprehensive general health check-up package Standard general health check-up package Patient's examination results will be returned to your home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.
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Articles refer to the source: webmd.com