Difference Between Flu and Pneumonia

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. Influenza is spread easily from person to person, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of the lungs.

1. How do I know if my flu has turned into pneumonia?
2. Which is worse flu or pneumonia?
3. How does flu lead to pneumonia?
4. What are the 4 stages of pneumonia?
5. Is Vicks VapoRub good for pneumonia?
6. How long is the flu contagious?
7. Does pneumonia get worse at night?
8. How soon does pneumonia develop after flu?
9. How do you feel when you have pneumonia?
10. How is pneumonia treated with the flu?

How do I know if my flu has turned into pneumonia?

When a virus causes your pneumonia, you're more likely to notice symptoms over several days. Early signs will look like the flu -- such as fever, dry cough, headache, and weakness -- but get worse in a day or two.

Which is worse flu or pneumonia?

In the spectrum of respiratory illnesses, the flu is generally worse than the common cold. Pneumonia, meanwhile, can be more serious than both, especially for young children and the elderly.

How does flu lead to pneumonia?

Although the body would usually be able to fight the buildup away, influenza changes that. With a weakened immune system, your body may not be able to get over the foreign bacteria and viruses. This is how those with influenza can easily turn their flu into something much worse — pneumonia.

What are the 4 stages of pneumonia?

There are four stages of pneumonia, which are consolidation, red hepatization, grey hepatization and resolution.

Is Vicks VapoRub good for pneumonia?

A. We are impressed that Vicks VapoRub on the soles of the feet actually helped a serious cough that signaled pneumonia. We do NOT recommend toughing it out with a home remedy as long as your hubby did. Q.

How long is the flu contagious?

People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

Does pneumonia get worse at night?

If you have walking pneumonia, your symptoms will be mild and you'll probably function normally. Walking pneumonia symptoms include: Dry cough that's persistent and typically gets worse at night.

How soon does pneumonia develop after flu?

With influenza pneumonia, for example, someone may become sick as soon as 12 hours or as long as 3 days after exposure to the flu virus. But with walking pneumonia, a person may not feel it until 2 to 3 weeks after becoming infected.

How do you feel when you have pneumonia?

The symptoms of viral pneumonia usually develop over a period of several days. Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. Within a day or two, the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain.

How is pneumonia treated with the flu?

There are no treatments for most viral causes of pneumonia. However, if the flu virus is thought to be the cause, antiviral drugs might be prescribed, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), or peramivir (Rapivab®), to decrease the length and severity of the illness.