Viral pneumonia is a type of lung infection that causes inflammation of the respiratory system, causing certain symptoms, such as heart failure, shortness of breath and any problems over time. This type of pneumonia occurs most often in people with weakened immune systems. , as children and the elderly, mainly.
The main viruses that cause this type of pneumonia are those that cause colds and flu, such as influenza A, B or C, H1N1, H5N1 and COVID-19, as well as others such as parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus for example, can be transported from an infected person to another health condition through drops of saliva or respiratory secretions in the air.
- Although viruses related to viral pneumonia are easily transmitted from person to person.
- A person sometimes develops pneumonia and flu symptoms often appear because the immune system is able to fight these viruses; however.
- Even if there is a risk of developing pneumonia.
- On the high seas.
- It is important to take precautionary measures.
- Such as avoiding close contact with the sick person and having good hygiene habits.
- Washing hands regularly.
Symptoms of viral pneumonia can appear after a few days of contact with the virus and get worse within a few days; if the main signs and symptoms:
In older people, symptoms of pneumonia may also include confusion, extreme fatigue, and lack of appetite, even if they are not in good condition; on the other hand, in infants or young children it is also very common to have an acceleration of breathing that causes the wings of the nose to open too much.
Viral pneumonia differs from bacterial pneumonia, usually because it has a sudden onset, produces more transparent or white phlegm, as well as other signs of viral infection, such as nasal congestion, sinusitis, eye and peer irritation, for example; However, it can be difficult to differentiate between the two types of infection without testing, although it is important for your doctor to develop problems identifying the pneumonia-causing agent, and the treatment of pneumonia is just as effective. as much as possible.
For infants, priests can cause pneumonia when the flu symptoms of this delay pass throughout the week, at what speed that is so constant, lack of appetite, accelerated breathing and shortness of breath, for example.
It is important that the baby is taken to the pediatrician for testing and diagnosis to be completed, initiating appropriate treatment, so it is important to take certain precautions when treating the baby, such as:
In the most severe cases where the baby does not want to eat, there is a shortness of air around 39oC present, the pediatrician may recommend hospitalization to receive oxygen, administer intravenous medication and receive his blood in his diet.
To confirm the diagnosis of this disease, your doctor may request that changes in respiratory secretions of the nose and throat be tested in the laboratory, ideally collected, before the 3rd day of the disease or before the 7th day of initiation. symptoms, in order to identify the virus.
Tests such as chest x-rays are also done to assess lung engagement; as blood tests, including complete hematology and arterial gasometry, to evaluate blood oxygenation, thus determining the severity of the infection In all cases where pneumonia is expected, it is advisable to help your family doctor, pediatrician and pneumonologist initiate proper treatment and prevent the disease from getting worse.
Treatment of viral infections is indicated by your doctor and should be carried out in accordance with certain guidelines such as:
In addition, the treatment of viral pneumonia or influenza caused by H1N1, H5N1 or COVID-19 viruses in people at risk of developing pneumonia, such as the elderly and infants, also involves the use of antiviral medications received by the general pneumonologist, such as Oseltamivir, Zanamivir and Ribavirin, for example.
Treatment can be done at home, however, when the person shows signs of severity, such as shortness of breath, low blood oxygenation, mental confusion or changes in kidney function, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous medications and the use of a medicine. Oxygen mask More details about the treatment of viral pneumonia.
To prevent viral infections of any kind, it is very important to keep your hands clean by washing them with ice cream alcohol whenever public places such as buses, shopping malls and markets are used, as well as avoid sharing personal items such as cabins and boats. .
The influenza vaccine, applied annually, is also a great way to prevent infection of major types of viruses.
Watch the video on how to wash your hands properly to prevent a viral infection: