Viral Pneumonia

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Medical Author:

George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

Dr. Schiffman received his B.S. degree with High Honors in biology from Hobart College in 1976. He then moved to Chicago where he studied biochemistry at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. He attended Rush Medical College where he received his M.D. degree in 1982 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of California, Irvine.

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Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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• Viral Pneumonia Overview
• Viral Pneumonia Causes
• Viral Pneumonia Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Viral Pneumonia Diagnosis
• Viral Pneumonia Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Viral Pneumonia Medical Treatment
• Follow-up
• Viral Pneumonia Prevention
• Viral Pneumonia Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Read more on Pneumonia from MedicineNet
• Viewer Comments: Viral Pneumonia - Symptoms

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 and the immune response of the individual to that 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.

Two of the most publicized viral infections causing pneumonia are SARS and H1N1 swine flu. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which is caused by a virus in the coronavirus family, had a major outbreak in 2003 with an estimated 8,000 cases and 750 deaths. For the latest information on this illness, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.

Swine flu (H1N1) was associated with an outbreak of pneumonia in 2009. Early reports came from cases in Mexico, with a very high mortality. Many cases were also reported in the U.S. However, early identification and treatment helped reduce the death rate significantly.

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Bacterial Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. People with pneumonia usually complain about coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Your body's imm...learn more >>

Bronchitis Bronchitis is acute or chronic inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. There are several viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis. Exposure to pollutan...learn more >>

Chemical Pneumonia Chemical pneumonia is a type of lung irritation. Many substances can cause chemical pneumonia including liquids, gasses, dust, fumes, and lung aspiration. Sympt...learn more >>

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