- Remedies to treat viral pneumonia
- How much time does the treatment last
- Care during treatment
- How to prevent pneumonia
Treatment of viral pneumonia can be done at home for 5 to 10 days, and ideally, it should be started within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
If viral pneumonia is suspected or if the flu is caused by viruses with a higher risk of causing pneumonia, such as H1N1 or H5N1, in addition to measures such as rest and hydration, Oseltamivir or Zanamivir, for example, are used to help eliminate viruses and prevent complications.
Other remedies, such as corticosteroids, Prednisone type, decongestants, such as Ambroxol, and pain relievers, such as Dipyrone or Paracetamol, are used throughout the treatment to relieve symptoms such as accumulation of secretions and pain in the body, for example.
Remedies to treat viral pneumonia
The treatment of viral pneumonia or any suspected infection with the H1N1 or H5N1 viruses involves the use of antiviral drugs, prescribed by the general practitioner or pulmonologist, such as:
- Oseltamivir, known as Tamiflu, for 5 to 10 days, usually when caused by the Influenza virus, such as H1N1 and H5N1; Zanamivir, for 5 to 10 days, also when Influenza virus infection is suspected, such as H1N1 and H5N1; Amantadine or Rimantadine are also useful antivirals in the treatment of Influenza, although they are less used because some viruses can be resistant to them; Ribavirin, for about 10 days, in the case of pneumonia caused by other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus or adenovirus, which are more common in children.
In cases where viral pneumonia occurs in conjunction with bacterial pneumonia, the use of antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin or Ceftriaxone, for example, for about 7 to 10 days is also indicated. Also, learn how to identify and treat bacterial pneumonia in adults and children.
How much time does the treatment last
Generally, treatment for cases of influenza caused by influenza or pneumonia without complications, treatment is done for 5 days, at home.
However, when the person shows signs of severity, such as difficulty in breathing, low blood oxygenation, mental confusion or changes in the functioning of the kidneys, for example, hospitalization may be necessary, with the treatment being prolonged for 10 days, antibiotics in the vein and use of an oxygen mask.
Care during treatment
During the treatment of viral pneumonia the patient must take some precautions such as:
- Avoid public places, such as school, work and shopping; Stay at home, preferably at rest; Do not frequent places with sudden changes in temperature, such as the beach or playground; Drink plenty of water daily to facilitate fluidization of phlegm; Inform the doctor if there is an increase in fever or phlegm.
Viruses that cause viral pneumonia are contagious and especially affect people with weakened immune systems. Therefore, until treatment begins, patients must wear a protective mask, which can be purchased at the pharmacy, and avoid direct contact through kisses or hugs, for example.
How to prevent pneumonia
To prevent this infection or prevent it from reoccurring, it is important to maintain good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands or using alcohol gel, after using the bathroom or going to public places, such as buses and shopping malls, and avoid sharing personal items such as cutlery and glasses.
In addition, it is important to get vaccinated against the main types of influenza, every year, free of charge at health centers, especially those most at risk of developing viral infections, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and health professionals.
