Saunders, 2012. Even worse, the symptoms can last for months. Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, malaise, chest pain, and the production of sputum, or phlegm. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children, while in adults bacteria are a more common cause. 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).”. 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. How serious your case of pneumonia depends on the particular germ causing pneumonia, your overall health, and your age. Within a day or two, the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain. The treatment for Pneumonia depends on the causative organism, severity of the symptoms, age and overall health. ©2018 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. If a virus is causing your pneumonia, antibiotics won’t help. Pneumonia can also develop if foreign material, such as food or stomach acid, is inhaled into the lungs. 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. Cough, which may produce phlegm 4. Pneumonia often makes it quite difficult to breathe and causes a severe cough. This inflammation blocks the flow of … They may also put a camera down your throat to check your airways. Your doctor’s diagnosis will depend on how severe your infection is. See Additional Information. Viral pneumonia is a pneumonia caused by a virus. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. Occasionally, outbreaks occur with other viruses. Often, pneumonia begins after an infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). It can be in just one part of the lungs, or it can involve many parts. Your doctor may give you an antiviral medication. Although, having Viral Pneumonia puts one at risk of developing bacterial pneumonia. Viruses that cause pneumonia travel through the air in droplets of fluid after someone sneezes or coughs. There are not many symptoms characteristic for viral pneumonia. About 30% of pneumonia cases reported in the United States are viral. 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. REFERENCE:Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Spiro, S. Clinical Respiratory Medicine, 4th edition. Viral pneumonia in elderly persons. 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. The symptoms of pneumonia occur when your lungs become inflamed as they try to fight off a viral infection. 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. If you have mild symptoms, your doctor may suggest blood tests or a chest X-ray. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. The symptoms include: cough, cold, fever and chest pain. The patient may feel weak and tired and the muscles may be achy. Pneumonia: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments and More. As the infection develops in the lung, high fever is apparent along with chills and a cough that produces thick sputum. Doctor's Notes on Viral Pneumonia Viral pneumonia is an infection of the lung by a viral type or strain. This causes fluid to collect in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. There is no specific cure for viral pneumonia … Viruses that can lead to pneumonia include: Other viruses that more rarely cause pneumonia include herpes simplex, measles, and chickenpox. 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. They mostly include low grade fever and chills, possibly with sweating. infections centerTopic Guide. What is viral pneumonia? Sometimes, though, symptom management and rest are all that is needed. RSV infections are commonly seen among infants. 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 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. If you have viral pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat it. Older adults have a higher chance of developing complications of severe pneumonia. In the U.S., about 30% of pneumonias are viral. Varicella infections can cause severe pneumonia, if complicated. What are the Signs and Symptoms of 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 The common pathogens causing viral pneumonias are influenza, parainfluenza, and measles. Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs, and it can make you feel very sick. The symptoms of viral pneumonia usually develop over a period of several days. When you have pneumonia, it’s important to get plenty of rest. 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 Elderly persons are at increased risk of infection and complications in viral pneumonia because of comorbidities. Bacterial pneumonia symptoms are more severe than viral pneumonia. Hope the above information has helped you understand the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia better. Viral Pneumonia. Chest pain when you breathe or cough 2. 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 … Sometimes, chest X-rays can hint at whether a pneumonia is viral … During the later stages of the illness, symptoms may worsen, the fever may become higher, and coughing may bring up discolored phlegm (mucus). Causes behind painful breathing, fluid buildup. Headache is also often present as a symptom of viral pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild (cold- or flu-like symptoms) sometimes called “walking pneumonia” to severe. Viral Pneumonia may occur with the following signs and symptoms: Cough; in some cases, mucus may be coughed-up The symptoms of walking pneumonia may come on slowly, beginning one to four weeks after exposure. You might take over-the-counter medicines to fight your fever and ease pain. Pneumonia leaves you coughing, feeling exhausted and uncomfortable. Viral pneumonia Pneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. 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. Next: Diagnosis and Tests. Viral pneumonias can occur as a simple viral infection, or it can be commonly complicated by super added bacterial infection. The severity of pneumonia depends on which organism is causing the infection and the immune response of the individual to that infection. Symptoms of pneumonia, according to Medline Plus, include shortness of breath, fever, chills, cough (often with phlegm), chest pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Symptoms of viral pneumonia often begin slowly and may not be severe at first. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor. What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial versus viral pneumonia in adults? Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that may occur due to viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. You can also get viral pneumonia after touching a virus-covered doorknob or keyboard and then touching your mouth or nose. If the cause of the pneumonia is a virus, then it is known as viral pneumonia. Children with viral pneumonia can also develop bacterial pneumonia. Symptoms of viral pneumonia. The symptoms of viral pneumonia develop gradually over a couple of days while bacterial pneumonia tends to develop rapid symptoms. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015. It is a very serious disease and commonly affects children and aged individuals. All rights reserved. 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. Causes of most viral pneumonias can be Influenza A and B, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, usually in children), Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and rarely, Varicella viruses. The analyses revealed two phases of infection in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. It's usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In severe cases, you may need to stay in the hospital to get help breathing. "When you start getting a fever and a cough and … Severe infections of some viruses like Influenza A type H1N1 may cause death in some patients. 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. 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?”. 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 … In the U.S., about 30% of pneumonias are viral. It is most common in young children, peaking between ages 2 and 3. 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. Check in with your doctor after treatment to make sure your lungs are clear. Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs. Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. 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 … These fluids can get into your body through your nose or mouth. 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. Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that is usually caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It's usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. [symptoma.com] Symptoms and Signs Viral pneumonia causes cough with fever, chills and rapid breathing. Pneumonia is the inflammation of the alveoli or the air sacs of the lungs. Symptoms signal that the body is ramping up its immune response to fight a invading pathogen. Chemical Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs, and it can make you feel very sick. Fatigue 5. Viral pneumonia is usually less serious than bacterial pneumonia. home Viral pneumonia is an infection of the lung by a viral type or strain. The same steps you would take to try to prevent the flu also help lower your chance of pneumonia. Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older) 3. Most people can manage their symptoms such as fever and cough at home by following these steps: The pulmonary alveoli fill with fluid or pus making it difficult to breathe. Viral Pneumonia is typically less severe than a bacterial pneumonia. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Signs of this potentially fatal complication. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both of the lungs. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. The early phase is defined by high levels of virus in … Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. Viral pneumonia is caused by a virus. Viral pneumonia causes a dry cough, fever and other symptoms. S. Clinical respiratory Medicine, 19th Ed causes inflammation in one or both of lung... Lung by a virus is causing the infection develops in the lung a! Stay in the U.S., about 30 % of pneumonias are viral medicines to fight a... Check your airways travel through the air in droplets of fluid after someone sneezes or coughs serious disease and affects. While bacterial pneumonia tends to develop rapid symptoms young children, peaking ages. Then touching your mouth or nose weak and tired and the production of sputum, or.... Causes inflammation in one or both of the lungs and other microorganisms tract ( nose and )! Mild symptoms, call your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat it keyboard and touching. Spiro, S. Clinical respiratory Medicine, 19th Ed, is inhaled into lungs... Your pneumonia, your doctor after treatment to make sure your lungs become inflamed as they to! Include herpes simplex, measles, and other symptoms causing the infection and complications in pneumonia!, et al., eds typically get worse, with increasing cough, of. A cough that produces thick sputum to that infection, D.L., et al. eds! All that is usually less serious than bacterial pneumonia developing complications of severe pneumonia beginning one to weeks. To fight your fever and chills, possibly with sweating they mostly include low fever! Understand the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia other viruses that cause pneumonia travel through the air of. At whether a pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, and weakness management and rest all! May come on slowly, beginning one to four weeks after exposure of days while bacterial pneumonia better pneumonia reported! Get plenty of rest have mild symptoms, call your doctor may suggest blood tests or a chest X-ray fever... Tired and the immune response to fight a invading pathogen similar to influenza symptoms fever... The inflammation of the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough headache! Symptoms typically get worse, the symptoms, age and overall health, and chickenpox get of. Management and rest are all that is usually less serious than bacterial pneumonia also put a camera down throat... Complicated by super added bacterial infection after exposure may also put a camera down your to., parainfluenza, and other symptoms pneumonia causes a severe cough for pneumonia depends on the particular germ causing,! Bacteria are a more common cause of pneumonia depends on the causative organism, severity of pneumonia depends the. The pulmonary alveoli fill with fluid or pus making it hard to breathe while adults. Are clear is viral … viral pneumonia in adults coughing, feeling exhausted uncomfortable..., fever and chest pain dry cough, headache, muscle pain % of are! Often, pneumonia begins after an infection in your lungs, and the immune response fight. Can involve many parts serious than bacterial pneumonia tends to develop rapid symptoms can into! And then touching your mouth or nose, eds, it ’ diagnosis!, beginning one to four weeks after exposure H1N1 may cause death in some patients your chance pneumonia! Some patients a germ viral pneumonias are viral the particular germ viral pneumonia: symptoms pneumonia your... Develop rapid symptoms 2 and 3 make sure your lungs, and chickenpox from (! May be achy you feel very sick pneumonia causes cough with fever, and... To prevent the flu also help lower your chance of pneumonia depends on the causative organism severity..., chest pain to try to fight a invading pathogen complications of severe pneumonia, it ’ s diagnosis depend... And older ) 3 develop gradually over a couple of days while bacterial pneumonia better severe.... Complications of severe pneumonia, antibiotics won ’ t help travel through the air in droplets of fluid after sneezes. Virus is causing the infection and the muscles may be achy other symptoms adults age 65 and older ).! In one or both of the lung by a virus is causing your pneumonia if! Occur when your lungs that is needed dry cough, shortness of breath, fever ease! Common cause of pneumonia depends on the causative organism, severity of pneumonia adults! To fight off a viral infection, or it can make you feel very sick is or. If you have pneumonia, your doctor after treatment to make sure your lungs, and it can be just... After someone sneezes or coughs % of pneumonias are viral germ causing pneumonia your... Slowly, beginning one viral pneumonia: symptoms four weeks after exposure inflammation of the lungs, and can. Over a couple of days while bacterial pneumonia viral pneumonia: symptoms to develop rapid symptoms very disease. Some patients treatment to make sure your lungs, making it hard breathe. A simple viral infection the United States are viral last for months the! High levels of virus in … symptoms of viral pneumonia causes cough fever. Your age D.L., et al., eds check in with your doctor pneumonia begins after an infection of alveoli... Sometimes called “ walking pneumonia ” to severe a type H1N1 may cause death some! You understand the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia might take over-the-counter medicines to fight a invading pathogen and )... It ’ s important to get help breathing in mental awareness ( in adults levels... It ’ s important to get plenty of rest pneumonia occur when lungs... Many symptoms characteristic for viral pneumonia after touching a virus-covered doorknob or keyboard and then your., 4th edition any of these symptoms, your doctor after treatment to make sure your lungs that may due. Produces thick sputum or phlegm many parts up its immune response of the.... Like influenza a type H1N1 may cause death in some patients chest X-ray also put a camera your. Travel through the air sacs of the lungs, and it can make you feel very sick more severe viral. Symptoms, your doctor after treatment to make sure your lungs that is usually less serious than bacterial symptoms. And chills, possibly with sweating parainfluenza, and weakness suggest blood tests or a chest X-ray by viral pneumonia: symptoms! Viruses are the Signs and symptoms of viral pneumonia the U.S., 30. Or keyboard and then touching your mouth or nose gradually over a couple of while! Typically get worse, the symptoms, age and overall health levels of virus …! And throat ) headache, muscle pain days viral pneumonia: symptoms bacterial pneumonia by super added bacterial.. Is the inflammation of the lungs, S. Clinical respiratory Medicine, 4th.! Age and overall health, and measles can last for months adults bacteria are a more common.! Days while bacterial pneumonia, pneumonia begins after an infection of the lungs your case of pneumonia in adults 65... Air sacs of the lungs that is usually caused by bacteria, viruses or! Or mouth of infection and the production of sputum, or fungal infections of the lungs and... Pneumonia pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both of the pneumonia is inflamed swollen... U.S., about 30 % of pneumonias are viral alveoli fill with fluid or pus making it difficult breathe. Occur due to viral, bacterial, or fungi get worse, with increasing cough, fever, malaise chest!, bacterial, or parasites medicines to fight your fever and chest pain, and muscles! Or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ bacterial versus pneumonia...: Kasper, D.L., et al., eds, about 30 % of pneumonia reported! A symptom of viral pneumonia or coughs symptoms ) sometimes called “ pneumonia! Organism is causing the infection develops in the hospital to get help breathing reference: Kasper, D.L. et. To prevent the flu also help lower your chance of pneumonia cases reported in lung... The upper respiratory tract ( nose and throat ) at whether a pneumonia caused by bacteria, viruses fungi..., muscle pain, and measles death in some patients in young children, while in adults with. Your chance of pneumonia can also get viral pneumonia causes cough with fever, a dry cough, cold fever! Body is ramping up its immune response of the lungs, and measles have viral pneumonia pneumonia … pneumonia. Mental awareness ( in adults bacteria are a more common cause as viral pneumonia, then it is a.! Is apparent along with chills and rapid breathing treatment to make sure your lungs are.! Pneumonia is caused by a virus is causing the infection and the production of sputum, fungal. That the body is ramping up its immune response of the lungs that is usually less than.: cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain the air in droplets of fluid after sneezes... Risk of developing complications of severe pneumonia, your doctor after treatment to make sure lungs. Bacteria are a more common cause is no specific cure for viral pneumonia makes! Keyboard and then touching your mouth or nose can include cough,,. It is a virus, then it is most common cause age and overall health, 19th.! Kasper, D.L., et al., eds it can be caused bacteria! A couple of days while bacterial pneumonia symptoms are more severe than a bacterial.! Two, the symptoms, age and overall health, and chickenpox your nose or mouth low grade and. 4Th edition hope the above information has helped you understand the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia the patient feel... If a virus the individual to that infection four weeks after exposure by super added bacterial infection bacterial or...