The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. It is different from a cold. It usually comes on suddenly. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages.
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.
Is pneumonia more serious than the flu?
In the spectrum of respiratory illnesses, the flu is generally worse than the common cold. Pneumonia, meanwhile, can be more serious than both, especially for young children and the elderly.
Is pneumonia related to flu?
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.
What is the difference between the flu and pneumonia Related Questions
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 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 first warning signs 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. feeling generally unwell. sweating and shivering. loss of appetite.
How do I check myself for pneumonia?
Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus. Fever, sweating and shaking chills. Shortness of breath. Rapid, shallow breathing. Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough. Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue.
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 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.
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.
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.
How do you treat pneumonia from the flu?
If a virus is causing your pneumonia, antibiotics won’t help. Your doctor may give you an antiviral medication. If you have an influenza virus, your doctor may prescribe medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or peramivir (Rapivab).
How is pneumonia from the flu treated?
Typical antibiotics do not work against viruses. If you have viral pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat it. Sometimes, though, symptom management and rest are all that is needed.
Is pneumonia a cold or virus?
Pneumonia stems from fluid in the lungs caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Pneumonia can be serious and requires treatment from your physician.
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.
Is pneumonia contagious yes or no?
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.
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 are the 4 stages of pneumonia?
These four stages of pneumonia are congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization, and resolution, respectively.
What are the 3 major causes of pneumonia?
Influenza viruses. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)