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Alternative names Return to top
Pneumonia - viralDefinition Return to top
Viral pneumonia is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lungs caused by infection with a virus. See also respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung that affects 1 out of 100 people annually. Viral pneumonia is caused by one of several viruses, including influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, hantavirus, and cytomegalovirus.
Most cases of viral pneumonia are mild and get better without treatment, but some cases are more serious and require hospitalization. People at risk for more serious viral pneumonia typically have impaired immune systems such as people with HIV, transplant patients, young children (especially those with heart defects), the elderly, and people taking medications to suppress their immune systems in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral pneumonia. Some of the more serious forms can be treated with antiviral medications. Other supportive care for viral pneumonia includes use of humidified air, increased fluids, and oxygen.. Hospitalization may be necessary to prevent dehydration and to help with breathing if the infection is serious.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Most episodes of viral pneumonia improve without treatment within 1-3 weeks, but some episodes last longer and cause more serious symptoms requiring hospitalization.Complications Return to top
More serious infections can result in respiratory failure, liver failure, and heart failure. Sometimes, bacterial infections occur during or just after viral pneumonia, which may lead to more serious forms of pneumonia.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of viral pneumonia develop.Prevention Return to top
Vaccines are available for influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus for people at high risk of these forms of viral pneumonia. Update Date: 7/8/2004 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |