Signs of viral pneumonia

Viral pneumonia is an infection that inflames the small air spaces in the lungs. A cough may be dry or may bring up phlegm. Fever and chills can occur as the immune system responds, while breathlessness may become more noticeable when walking or speaking. Symptoms can overlap with influenza, COVID-19, and other causes of pneumonia, so symptoms alone cannot identify the virus or confirm the diagnosis.

Some people have a gradual illness after a cold-like infection; others become unwell more quickly. Older adults, babies, pregnant people, and people with heart, lung, or immune conditions may need medical advice sooner.

Rest, drink fluids if you can, and record changes in temperature, breathing, and alertness. Avoid smoking and limit close contact while you have fever or prominent respiratory symptoms. Arrange a clinical assessment if symptoms are worsening, breathing feels harder, or you have an ongoing fever. A clinician may listen to your chest and decide whether testing or imaging is appropriate.

Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, or chest pain that is severe or persistent. Seek prompt medical advice if you are becoming markedly weaker or if improvement is followed by a clear deterioration, because serious infection can sometimes develop.

Ask whether your symptoms fit viral pneumonia, whether you need a test or chest assessment, and which changes should prompt urgent review. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, whether you have measured fever, and any medical conditions or medicines that may affect your breathing or immunity.