What should you know about human pneumonia virus?

Pneumonia is inflammation and infection in the lungs. Viruses including influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can cause it. Affected people may have cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, tiredness or coughing up phlegm. These symptoms overlap with bacterial pneumonia, so a clinician may use an examination, oxygen measurement, imaging or testing to guide care.

Illness can be more serious for babies, older adults and people with lung, heart or immune conditions. Recovery varies, and a cough or reduced energy may remain after the infection starts improving.

Arrange medical advice for new breathlessness, persistent fever or worsening cough. Rest, drink fluids as tolerated and avoid smoking. Reduce spread by staying home when unwell, covering coughs, washing hands and improving airflow. Use prescribed medicines exactly as directed. Antibiotics do not treat a virus, although they may be considered if bacterial infection is also suspected.

Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, collapse, inability to stay awake or rapidly worsening symptoms. Seek urgent review if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing very little urine, or feel suddenly much more ill, because severe infection can affect the whole body.

Ask what is most likely causing the pneumonia, whether you need testing or imaging, how to monitor breathing, which treatments are suitable, and when follow-up is needed.