What does it mean to have flu and pneumonia together?

Influenza is caused by a virus, while pneumonia is an infection or inflammation in the lung tissue caused by different germs. Flu can weaken the airways and make a second lung infection possible. A person with pneumonia may have cough, fever, chills, chest discomfort, marked tiredness, or breathlessness; symptoms vary and cannot confirm the cause by themselves.

A flu test, examination, oxygen measurement, and sometimes a chest image may help a clinician decide what is happening. A negative home test does not explain every breathing symptom, and antibiotics do not treat influenza itself.

Rest and drink fluids if you can keep them down. Avoid strenuous activity and limit close contact while fever or strong respiratory symptoms continue. Record when the illness started, whether the cough is dry or brings up phlegm, and whether breathing is changing.

Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant, older, immunocompromised, or have heart or lung disease, because treatment decisions may depend on timing and medical history. Do not start leftover antibiotics or combine cold medicines without checking their ingredients.

Seek urgent care for shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, inability to drink, or a clear deterioration after initial improvement. Emergency help is needed for severe breathing difficulty. A rapidly worsening infection can require treatment in hospital and, rarely, lead to [Sepsis](/conditions/sepsis/).

Ask whether you need testing for [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/), an examination for [Pneumonia](/conditions/pneumonia/), or a review of your medicines. Ask which symptoms should trigger same-day care and how to manage fever, cough, and fluid intake safely.