What should you know about viral pneumonia treatment?

A clinician considers how well you are breathing, your oxygen level, underlying conditions and the suspected virus. Mild illness may be managed at home with rest, fluids and suitable fever relief. Some viral infections have antiviral medicines that work best when started early and only suit particular situations. Antibiotics do not treat a virus, but a clinician may consider them if a bacterial infection is also suspected.

Follow the treatment plan, take prescribed medicine exactly as directed, and keep fluids nearby if drinking is comfortable. Rest between activities and avoid smoking. Check in with your clinician if cough, fever or breathlessness is not improving. Do not start leftover antibiotics or someone else’s medicine, because the choice depends on the cause and your health.

Seek prompt medical advice for increasing breathlessness, persistent fever, chest pain, worsening weakness, dehydration or new confusion. Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, collapse or inability to stay awake. Rapid deterioration can signal a serious lung infection or sepsis and should not be managed at home.

Ask whether antiviral medicine is appropriate, whether you need monitoring of oxygen, and which symptoms mean the plan must change. Ask how to use fever medicine safely with your regular prescriptions and when follow-up should happen.