Viral Pneumoniae

Viral Pneumoniae (VP), commonly known as viral pneumonia, is an infection in the alveolar sacs and bronchioles of the lungs. The airways become inflamed and fill with fluids (mucus and pus). “Symptoms include: Coughing (with blood or mucus present), headache, fever, sharp chest pains, trouble breathing, and fatigue” (MedLine Plus). A viral infection, most commonly RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, causes it, “…which is the most common viral pathogen (25-35%) identified in children with pneumonia…” (Cherian). RSV isn’t the only cause of viral pneumonia. “Other viruses that can cause it include Influenza, Measles, chicken pox, and Norovirus” (Tortora). Viral pneumonia is not usually serious unless it occurs in an elderly person, a newborn or infant, someone with a weakened immune system, or someone with respiratory problems (i.e. asthma). Hospitalization is not required unless one of the above occurs. To diagnose, doctors will take chest x- rays or CT Scans to look for cloudiness or pus build up in the lungs. They will also take blood to test for viruses present. Some doctors may just try antibiotics first and if that doesn’t work, then they will assume it is viral and use the Antiviral drugs. To treat at home, it is best to get lots of rest, drink a lot of fluids, take all of the medicine prescribed, and take aspirin to control the fever. Although viral pneumonia cannot be prevented, one can do their best to prevent viral infection by washing hands often, staying away from big crowds, and by not smoking. Smoking damages the lungs and the alveolar sacs, making it harder for smokers to fight off lung infections. Viral pneumonia diagnoses have increased in the past decade, “…most likely caused by a combination of better diagnostic techniques and an increasing risk for viral pneumonias among the great immunocompromised population” (Chien). There are different ways to diagnose viral pneumonia. “An etiologic diagnosis of viral pneumonia can be made by isolation and identification of the viral pathogens through viral culture or by isolating its DNA or antigens in lower respiratory tract secretions or lung tissue” (Chien). In order for this diagnosis of viral pneumonia to work most adequately, it must be obtained early during the course of the infection. Viral pneumonia specifically, is caused by viruses; it is classified as a subset of pneumotides, which were at one time called atypical pneumonias. “Viral pneumonia often develops as a complication of a less serious viral infection, such as a cold, upper respiratory infection or the flu” (Duda). This specific type of pneumoniae has