Viral pneumonia Symptoms & treatment | Dr Jay deshmukh | Sunflower Hospital Nagpur :-  Many individuals are getting affected by viral pneumonia this month. The disease per say  is self limiting, however few unfortunate individuals can become serious and thus early diagnosis and proper treatment is necessary.

What are the common symptoms of viral pneumonia ?

1. Viral pneumonia Symptoms & treatment | Dr Jay deshmukh | Sunflower Hospital Nagpur;- Mild to moderate fever, dry cough to begin with, which can become productive later . Many complain about body aches, weakness, muscle aches, loss of appetite and mild to moderate breathlessness. Some may complain about headaches or soreness of throat.

Which viruses are responsible for viral pneumonia ?

1. Viral pneumonia Symptoms & treatment | Dr Jay deshmukh | Sunflower Hospital Nagpur :- The common viruses responsible are the flu or influenza virus A and B, the parainfluenza virus, adenovirus that can cause common cold or bronchitis, the varicella zoster virus that can cause chicken pox or shingles.

Which individual is susceptible to viral pneumonia ?

1. Viral pneumonia Symptoms & treatment | Dr Jay deshmukh | Sunflower Hospital Nagpur :- As the virus is very contagious it can affect anyone. However if you are older than 60 years or less than 2 years or you reside or work in crowded surrounding or are working in a hospital. Those who smoke regularly, have a poor immunity due to cancer or hiv infection or have uncontrolled diabetes are particularly more susceptible. Those who have a chronic heart and a respiratory condition as asthma or COPD are particularly susceptible.

What is the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia ?

1. Viral pneumonia Symptoms & treatment | Dr Jay deshmukh | Sunflower Hospital Nagpur ;- In most it is difficult to diagnose in early stages. However blood tests, sputum examination and X-rays of chest and at times CT scan of the chest is recommended to differentiate between the two. In both fever, cough , body aches and occasional chest pain are seen. Presence of severe body aches, headache or a skin rash may favour viral infection.

What investigations are necessary before proceeding with the treatment ? 

1.  Routine blood tests, Xray chest and sputum examination are always recommended. A nasal swab or throat swabs are always recommended for ruling out the dangerous swine flu or H1N1 infection.

When is hospital admission required ?

1. If the fever range is high, in case of breathlessness , blood in sputum or drop in blood pressure or confusional state in the elderly, hospitalisation is required.

What is the treatment for viral pneumonia ?

1. Supportive treatment to treat fever with Paracetamol, cough syrups and increasing fluid intake is necessary to prevent dehydration. In hospitalised individuals Oxygen therapy, nebulisations and specific antiviral drugs like Olmesatavir  for swine flu is recommended. Some may even require ventilator support.

Why some patients become serious due to viral pneumonia ?

1. Early treatment and diagnosis is mandatory. Poor immune system response or a very aggressive virus can lead to  deaths in young adults due to viral pneumonia. People who have severe diabetes, smokers, obese individuals and those who have asthma or COPD carry a high risk.

How to avoid viral pneumonia ?

1. Annual vaccination against influenza virus may help in high risk individuals. Avoiding close contact with patients suffering from swine flu is necessary. Patients with viral pneumonia should preferably be isolated from healthy individuals. Wearing a proper mask helps. Prophylactic antiviral drugs may help close contacts to avoid viral pneumonia.Washing hands frequently with warm water and soap, avoiding touching the nose and mouth, getting enough sleep, exercising , eating fresh fruits and vegetables and keeping a distance from people who are coughing and sneezing is important.

                                    Viral infections and particularly viral pneumonia is quite common in October and November. Early recognition and treatment is necessary to prevent mortality. Annual vaccination against swine flu, avoiding close contact with infected patients and prophylactic antiviral drugs in a selected few may help us to prevent this common disease.