Pneumonia is quite a common infection that affects the lungs and results in inflammation in the lungs. It may involve one part or multiple parts within the lungs. This infection may be caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi along with other microorganisms. Viral pneumonia is a form of pneumonia which is not too serious but it can cause life threatening complications among young or old patients. This is particularly true among those patients whose immune system is weak.

Influenza virus, herpes along with varicella virus and respiratory syncytial virus are some of the viruses that can cause viral pneumonia. Other viruses that can cause this condition include those causing adenovirus along with parainfluenza viral pneumonia. There are a few symptoms associated with this condition that can help in identifying it and seeking medical attention for it.

The symptoms associated with viral pneumonia include muscle aches, tiredness along with cough that includes mucous. The symptoms associated with this condition can last for several days to weeks before the patient seeks medical intervention. As against this those suffering from bacterial pneumonia tend to get sick rather quickly.

Some patients suffering from viral pneumonia may also experience shortness of breath along with severe chest pain and coughing of blood. The diagnosis of this condition is done through physical examination along with some tests. The heart rate and blood pressure will be checked and the doctor will also listen to the heart sounds through a stethoscope. In viral pneumonia the doctor will also check the blood oxygen level with the help of a clamp that is attached to a person’s finger.

Some other tests that may be conducted in this condition include chest x-ray along with examination of secretions from the nose in some cases. For treatment of viral pneumonia the patients need to taken plenty of rest and drink fluids. Exertion should be avoided as this can affect the capacity of the body to fight off the illness. If the pneumonia is due to influenza virus then the doctor may prescribe anti-flue medicines. The medicines that may be prescribed in this case include amatadine, rimantadine, zanamvir and oseltamivir.

Treament of varicella pneumonia can be done through acyclovir while in many other cases of viral pneumonia the patient may be treated by treating the specific symptoms. So medicines for cough and fever may be prescribed. Antibiotics may also be given to ensure that the patient does not suffer from bacterial pneumonia as the lungs are already quite weak.

After the treatment the patients have to return to the doctor to ensure that there is improvement in their condition. A repeat chest X-ray may be needed to check for improvements in the symptoms. Viral pneumonia is contagious and can spread through the droplets that are let off when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Rest along with fluids is extremely important to ensure the pneumonia does not progress. Most people tend to recover fairly quickly from viral pneumonia without prolonged damage. However patients may be at a greater risk of developing some complications if they are very young or old and have weak immune systems.