Viral pneumonia is caused by virus. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria and also viruses. Pneumonia is also caused by parasites and fungi, but they are less common. In children, viral pneumonia is most common, where as in adults bacteria is the common cause of pneumonia.
Causes of Viral Pneumonia:
Following are some viruses that cause viral pneumonia:
- Common causes include:
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Varicella or herpes virus
- Influenza virus A or B
- Rare viruses that cause viral pneumonia include:
- Metapneumovirus
- Adenoviruses
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS)
- Viruses that cause other disorders, but sometimes cause pneumonia include:
- Cytomegalovirus, especially in people with weak immune system
- Varicella-zoster virus
- Herpes simplex virus, mainly in infants
Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia:
Symptoms of viral pneumonia in adults include:
- Running nose
- Non productive cough
- Low grade fever, that is, 102 °F
- Chills
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulty
- Systematic symptoms, like headache and myalgia
An individual suffering from viral pneumonia also complains about muscle aches. Cough develops along with mucous production. Even children affected with viral pneumonia experience the above mentioned symptoms.
Treatment of Viral Pneumonia:
People suffering from viral pneumonia caused by influenza A or B can be treated effectively, if seeks doctor advice within 48 hours. Treatments for them may include zanamivir or oseltamivir.
Pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus can be treated with ribavirin.
Varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus can be treated with aciclovir.
Pneumonia caused by cytomegalovirus can be treated with ganciclovir.
There is no effective treatment for pneumonia caused by adenovirus, H1N1 virus, hantavirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza and SARS. Treatment is just supportive.
Prevention of Viral Pneumonia:
Most effective preventive measure for viral pneumonia is proper hygiene. Washing hands is must before having meals as it eliminates virus and bacteria that causes viral pneumonia and several diseases. Smokers are more prone to develop pneumonia than others. This is because, smoking destroys lung’s natural defenses against diseases. Hence, best way is to quit smoking.
Keep immune system strong to fight against pneumonia causing viruses and other diseases. Diet should contain whole grains, vegetables, fruits and also do regular exercise.
