Everybody, regardless of age, is susceptible to the flu as flu season has arrived. This contagious respiratory illness can strike anyone, anywhere in the world. The flu can be mild or severe and develops suddenly, unlike the common cold.
Even though the flu typically clears up in two weeks for most people, some may experience complications. Pneumonia may result from one of these complications. According to Everyday Health, one-third of pneumonia cases are caused by respiratory viruses, with flu being the most common.
Your immune system can be seriously weakened by this infection, even if you only have a mild flu infection. Remember, the virus can even prevent your body from breathing in the air properly.
The reasons why pneumonia can develop from the flu and what we can do to prevent it are explained in the article that follows. Read on.
Read more: What Are the Side Effects of Pneumonia Vaccine: All the Things You Must Know – Elder VIP
Flu and Pneumonia
Difference Between Flu and Pneumonia
Flu is a highly contagious viral infection that is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. flu is spread easily from person to person, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The main symptoms include
- Sudden fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Headache
- Cough
It can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between the flu and pneumonia because some symptoms are similar in both conditions. The flu can also result in pneumonia.
Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of the lungs. Pus and other liquids accumulate in the air sacs, preventing oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. The body’s cells can’t function properly if there isn’t enough oxygen in the blood, which can be fatal.
The main symptoms are respiratory:
- Cough
- Trouble breathing
- Chest congestion
- Chest pain
Additionally, you could experience broader symptoms like a fever, exhaustion, and body aches.
The Connection Between Flu and Pneumonia
Pneumonia is frequently brought on by the flu, especially in young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions, and people who reside in nursing homes. The majority of flu cases do not progress to pneumonia, but those that do are typically more serious and fatal. In fact, influenza and pneumonia were the eighth most common killers in the US in 2016.
There are protective vaccines available, but none are 100% effective against the flu or some types of pneumonia. Since flu strains are constantly evolving, it is essential to receive a flu shot every season to ensure that you are protected from the most recent strains. Although some people may benefit from a booster vaccination, pneumonitis vaccinations are typically only required once. To find out if any additional vaccinations are appropriate for you, ask your healthcare provider if your immunizations are current.
How Does Flu Turn into Pneumonia?
The flu infection cannot be brought on by the flu shot. Some people, however, might experience mild flu-like symptoms. This is most likely because your body has mounted a suitable immune response, which will aid you in fighting infection if you become exposed to it. In any case, these minor symptoms are preferable to contracting the flu and any potential complications, such as pneumonia.
The flu can make your immune system less effective and cause inflammation throughout your body. You become more prone to contracting additional infections as a result.
A side effect of the flu virus might be pneumonia. Alternatively, you might contract a secondary infection from a virus or bacteria.
Knowing if you have pneumonia in addition to the flu can be challenging. Your respiratory symptoms frequently seem to be getting worse. Sometimes people will claim to feel better only for their symptoms to subsequently worsen. Breathing issues, chest pain, or a cough that gets worse are some of these symptoms.
It does not automatically follow that pneumonia will not develop if you have the flu. An X-ray of your chest will probably help your doctor determine whether you have pneumonia.
Some people have a higher risk of developing pneumonia:
- People suffering from lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, and asthma.
- People with additional medical issues like HIV, diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease.
- Those taking drugs (such as long-term steroids, chemotherapy, or post-transplant drugs) that impair immunity.
- Older adults.
- Children.
- Smokers.
How to Prevent the Flu Turn into Pneumonia?
Prevention Tips
You can help prevent pneumonia by doing the following:
- Get vaccinated against the flu annually. Those who have the flu may go on to develop bacterial pneumonia. By receiving an annual flu shot, you can lower this risk.
- Get the pneumococcal vaccine. Due to pneumococcal bacteria, this helps prevent pneumonia.
- Maintain good hygiene. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking harms your lungs and makes it more difficult for your body to defend itself against pathogens and illnesses. Consult your primary care physician about quitting smoking as soon as possible.
- Make an effort to live healthfully. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended. Get regular exercise and sleep a lot. These things support a robust immune system.
- Avoid sick people. You run a higher risk of catching whatever they have if you are around sick people.
Treatment Tips
The type of pneumonia, its severity, and the patient’s overall health all influence how it should be treated. Many people can recover in a few weeks if they stay at home, hydrate well, and get lots of rest. Additionally, they must abide by their doctor’s recommendations, particularly when it comes to cough suppressants, which frequently make matters worse. Patients frequently receive antibiotic treatment if bacteria are the cause of their pneumonia. Children should not be given aspirin.
Intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and other medications, as well as breathing treatments and even oxygen therapy, are frequently used in the treatment of critically ill patients who must be hospitalized. Recovery often takes time. Patients should take their doctor’s advice and get enough rest and care.
Conclusion
The risk of pneumonia must be understood now that we are aware that a flu epidemic is in full swing. Most cases of viral pneumonia in adults are caused by the influenza virus, and many people may develop pneumonia because their immune systems are working to fight off the flu. The most severe cases of this particular type of pneumonia, which can be serious and even fatal, occur in pregnant women and those who have heart or lung disease. To protect your health, you must take precautions for both you and your loved ones and, if necessary, contact your doctor.
