“Because pneumonia is a lung infection, it typically has more respiratory symptoms, while the flu is accompanied by muscular aches and pains and fatigue,” she explains. The flu usually comes on suddenly, while pneumonia takes longer to develop and can be a complication from the flu.
Does flu turn into pneumonia?
Influenza is a common cause of pneumonia, especially among younger children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with certain chronic health conditions or who live in a nursing home. Most cases of flu never lead to pneumonia, but those that do tend to be more severe and deadly.
How do you know if you’ve got pneumonia?
Symptoms of pneumonia 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. rapid heartbeat. fever.
Can pneumonia heal on its own?
Pneumonia caused by a virus cannot be treated with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia usually goes away on its own.
How do I know if I have flu or pneumonia Related Questions
What are the 4 stages of pneumonia?
These four stages of pneumonia are congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization, and resolution, respectively.
How long does pneumonia last?
It may take time to recover from pneumonia. Some people feel better and are able to return to their normal routines in 1 to 2 weeks. For others, it can take a month or longer. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month.
What does a pneumonia cough sound like?
Bacterial pneumonia is more serious and often results in a gurgling sound when breathing and mucus or phlegm when coughing. If you are experiencing a cough and are concerned that it may be pneumonia, reach out to your doctor.
When should you go to the ER for the flu?
Adults who have the following symptoms, even if they don’t fall into a high-risk category, should go to the ER: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. Sudden dizziness or frequent dizzy spells.
What antibiotics treat pneumonia?
The first-line treatment for pneumonia in adults is macrolide antibiotics, like azithromycin or erythromycin. In children, the first-line treatment for bacterial pneumonia is typically amoxicillin.
Can you catch pneumonia from someone?
Is Pneumonia Contagious? Yes, some types of pneumonia are contagious, meaning it spreads from person to person. Pneumonia is mostly spread when people infected cough, sneeze or talk, sending respiratory droplets into the air.
How can you test for pneumonia at home?
Pneumonia testing is generally not available at home.
What not to do in pneumonia?
Drink water, juice, or weak tea. Drink at least 6 to 10 cups (1.5 to 2.5 liters) a day. Do not drink alcohol.
Should you lay down if you have pneumonia?
Recovery also typically requires a lot of bed rest. Lying down on your back for an extended period of time can allow fluid or mucus to gather in your lungs.
What is the strongest antibiotic to treat pneumonia?
First-line antibiotics that might be selected include the macrolide antibiotics azithromycin (Zithromax) or clarithromycin (Biaxin XL); or the tetracycline known as doxycycline.
What is the best position to sleep in with pneumonia?
Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce coughing and improve breathing. Use an extra pillow or a wedge pillow to elevate your head and chest while sleeping. Dehydration can make pneumonia symptoms worse and make it harder to sleep. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
What does early stage pneumonia feel like?
Chest pain when you take a deep breath. A cough that may come in violent spasms. Mild flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills. Sore throat.
Does pneumonia get worse at night?
Non-bacterial or ‚Äúwalking pneumonia‚Äù Walking pneumonia symptoms include: Dry cough that’s persistent and typically gets worse at night.
What is the common treatment for pneumonia?
Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial pneumonia. Most people begin to feel better after one to three days of antibiotic treatment. However, you should take antibiotics as your doctor prescribes. If you stop too soon, your pneumonia may come back.
How does pneumonia feel?
Feeling like you can’t catch your breath, especially when you move around a lot. Feeling very tired. Loss of appetite. Sharp or stabbing chest pain (you might feel it more when you cough or take a deep breath)
What are the 3 major causes of pneumonia?
Influenza viruses. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)