viral pneumonia Viral pneumonia refers to inflammation of the respiratory tract and lungs caused by viral infection. Patients exhibit varying degrees of hypoxia and infection symptoms, characterized by fever, cough, wheezing, dyspnea, and moist rales in the lungs. Viral pneumonia can be transmitted through droplets and contact.

Viral pneumonia refers to inflammation of the respiratory tract and lungs caused by viral infection, resulting in varying degrees of hypoxia and infectious symptoms such as fever, cough, wheezing, dyspnea, and moist rales in the lungs. Viral pneumonia can be transmitted through droplets, contact, and other pathways.

The type of disease varies depending on the type of virus. In recent years, the following types have garnered widespread attention:

Influenza

Commonly known as the flu, caused by influenza A, B, or C viruses. It is highly contagious, and the clinical features include sudden onset of high fever, fatigue, and generalized body aches. Influenza A virus is prone to mutation, leading to recurrent or pandemic outbreaks of the flu.

Avian Influenza in Humans

Also known as avian flu, caused by infection with avian influenza viruses. Children are at a higher risk and may experience severe illness with a high mortality rate. Unlike other types, the source of infection in humans is poultry carrying avian influenza viruses, which can be transmitted through human respiratory or contact with poultry excreta.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Also known as "SARS," caused by SARS coronavirus infection, it is highly contagious with a high mortality rate. Main symptoms include chills, shivering, cough, gastrointestinal symptoms, and in severe cases, dyspnea or respiratory distress.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Caused by the novel coronavirus, it is more contagious and slightly less virulent compared to SARS. The elderly are more susceptible, and it can lead to various life-threatening respiratory complications, with poor prognosis for those with chronic underlying diseases. Main symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue. Severe patients may experience dyspnea, and a small number may have gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea.

Patients typically exhibit mild clinical manifestations, including fever, chills, headache, generalized body aches, and fatigue, often accompanied by respiratory flu-like symptoms such as cough, white sputum or sputum tinged with blood, and sore throat. Some patients may only experience gastrointestinal discomfort. Children or elderly patients are more prone to developing severe pneumonia, characterized by dyspnea, somnolence, excessive sweating, lethargy, and chest pain.

Combining internal and external treatment in traditional Chinese medicine has shown certain clinical efficacy and high safety. This may involve oral administration of lung-clearing formula combined with cough-suppressing or phlegm-resolving agents, as well as external application of chest-ventilating plasters.

It is recommended to seek treatment in a regular medical institution and follow the guidance of a doctor for treatment.

Follow the doctor's advice and take antipyretic, antiviral, and expectorant medications as directed.

Minimize close contact between family members, and if necessary, wear masks.

Ensure ventilation and air circulation in the living environment and regularly disinfect the surroundings.

Maintain a positive mood, communicate with family members, and avoid anxiety.

Keep warm, get plenty of rest, and minimize oxygen consumption.

Diet

Adjust dietary habits to ensure balanced nutrition and drink plenty of water.

Exercise

Engage in moderate exercise to boost immunity.

Lifestyle habits

Quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke to protect lung function and reduce tobacco-related damage.

Maintain regular routines and get plenty of rest.

Pay attention to personal hygiene and wash hands frequently.

During illness, if the infectivity and virulence of the virus are high, it is important to isolate the patient to prevent mutual infection.

After treatment, patients need to undergo follow-up chest X-rays or CT scans to ensure the resolution of lung inflammation and prevent residual symptoms.

The following measures can help reduce the risk of pneumonia:

Quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke to reduce lung defense damage caused by tobacco.

Adjust dietary habits and ensure balanced nutrition.

Exercise regularly to boost immunity.

Try to avoid direct contact with poultry and wild animals to prevent infection by highly pathogenic viruses.

Stay away from crowded public areas and individuals coughing or sneezing, and consider wearing masks when necessary.

Avoid touching your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth with your hands in public places, and wash hands frequently.

Get vaccinated for influenza, especially for susceptible populations such as children, the elderly, and those with diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease, cancer, or compromised immune systems.