Viral Pneumonia

• Viral Pneumonia Overview
• Viral Pneumonia Causes
• Viral Pneumonia Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Viral Pneumonia Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Viral Pneumonia Overview

Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs. It can be in just one part of the lungs, or it can involve many parts. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. The severity of pneumonia depends on which organism is causing the infection. Viral pneumonias are usually not very serious, but they can be life-threatening in very old and very young patients, and in people whose immune systems are weak.

Even severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which is believed to have a viral cause, has caused very few deaths (approximately 3-4% of all cases) as of March 19, 2003. For the latest information on this illness, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.