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Viral Pneumonia
Alternate Names : Pneumonia - Viral
DefinitionViral pneumonia is an inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of extra immune cells) of the lungs caused by infection with a virus. See also respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung that affects 1 out of 100 people annually. Viral pneumonia can be caused by one of several viruses, including influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, hantavirus, and cytomegalovirus.
Most cases of viral pneumonia are mild and get better without treatment, but some cases are more serious and require hospitalization. People at risk for more serious viral pneumonia typically have impaired immune systems and include HIV patients, transplant patients, young children (especially those with heart defects), the elderly, and people taking medications such as steroids to suppress their immune systems to treat autoimmune disorders.
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• Definition
• Viral Pneumonia Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Viral Pneumonia Symptoms & Signs
• Viral Pneumonia Prevention
• Viral Pneumonia Diagnosis & Tests
• Viral Pneumonia Treatment
• Viral Pneumonia Prognosis
• Viral Pneumonia Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Dehydration
• Herpes Simplex
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• The Flu
Tests & Exams
• Chest X-Ray
• Open Lung Biopsy
• Routine Sputum Culture
Other Topics
• Breathing Difficulty
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Aches
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Respiratory
• Skin - Clammy
• Sweating - Excessive
Review Date : 7/30/2002
Reviewed By : Christopher Parsons, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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