How bad is viral pneumonia?
Is it bacterial or viral? There’s a HUGE difference! Viral pneumonia is FAR less serious than bacterial pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is usually self-limiting,meaning it usually goes away on it’s own. Medical care consists mostly of monitoring the patient’s comfort and to make sure adequate hydration and to keep a fever within reason. (You may not want to eliminate a fever altogether as it is the body’s way to fight viral infections.) In serious cases anti-viral agents might be used. Bacterial pneumonia, on the other hand, is VERY dangerous. Usually massive doses of antibiotics are given and people are very sick. Your best bet is to ask her doctor to explain what she has in layman’s terms, and ask how worried you should be. Only the people treating you mom know how sick she really is. For your own peace of mind, ask.
