“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.
When does flu turn into pneumonia?
With a weakened immune system, your body may not be able to get over the foreign bacteria and viruses. This is how those with influenza can easily turn their flu into something much worse — pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs.
How do I check myself for pneumonia?
Shortness of breath or fast, shallow breathing. Bluish tint to lips and/or fingertips. High fever, sweating, shaking chills. Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you inhale deeply or cough.
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 pneumonia or the flu Related Questions
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.
What are the 4 stages of pneumonia?
These four stages of pneumonia are congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization, and resolution, respectively.
How does pneumonia feel?
Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. Within a day or two, the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain. There may be a high fever and there may be blueness of the lips.
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.
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.
Can you catch pneumonia from someone who has it?
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. These droplets can then be inhaled by close contacts.
What over the counter medicine is good for pneumonia?
Over-the-counter remedies that are typically used to help treat the symptoms of pneumonia include: Fever reducers/pain relievers: Tylenol (acetaminophen), Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin will help bring your fever down and decrease any pain you might have.
What happens if you don’t treat pneumonia?
If your pneumonia isn’t treated, the pleura can get swollen, creating a sharp pain when you breathe in. If you don’t treat the swelling, the area between the pleura may fill with fluid, which is called a pleural effusion. If the fluid gets infected, it leads to a problem called empyema.
How do you make pneumonia go away faster?
Get plenty of rest. Don’t go back to school or work until after your temperature returns to normal and you stop coughing up mucus. Stay hydrated. Take your medicine as prescribed.
What are the 3 major causes of pneumonia?
Influenza viruses. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)
How do you treat pneumonia naturally?
Pneumonia is a serious condition, and home remedies will not treat or cure it. However, getting enough rest, drinking warm fluids — such as ginger or fenugreek tea — and other tips may help manage symptoms.
How can you tell the difference between a cough and pneumonia?
Pneumonia Cough: How It Might Sound Different From Other Coughs. A pneumonia cough tends to be deeper and presents with other pneumonia symptoms, like fever, chills, and fatigue.
How is pneumonia caused?
Viruses that infect your lungs and airways can cause pneumonia. The flu (influenza virus) and the common cold (rhinovirus) are the most common causes of viral pneumonia in adults. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of viral pneumonia in young children.
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 are the worst days of pneumonia?
During the first few days of pneumonia (roughly the first three to four days), symptoms are usually more severe even if treatment has been started. These can include: A cough that may become more productive (more sputum). The color and consistency of sputum may also change, becoming more yellow-green and thicker.
How do you sleep 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.