The symptoms of viral pneumonia show up when the lungs are inflamed while trying to fight the infection. Early symptoms of pneumonia are mostly similar to flu, such as:

• Fever
• Chills or shaking
• Sweating
• Cough with green or yellow mucus
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Blueness of the lips

Some additional symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Worsening cough
• Muscle pain
• Dizziness
• Confusion

Viral Pneumonia and Covid-19

The Covid-19 outbreak has resulted in several Covid positive cases that were accompanied by viral pneumonia, worsening the condition of the patient.  Covid-19 is an infection caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The infection starts when the respiratory droplets having the virus enter into the upper respiratory tract. It can also increase the risk of developing pneumonia.

When a patient is affected by both the novel coronavirus and pneumonia, the term used to describe the infection is COVID-19 pneumonia. The oxygen we breathe passes into the bloodstream and inside the alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs). Covid infection can damage the alveoli and adjoining tissues.

Moreover, when the immune system fights back the virus, lung inflammation causes the dead cells and fluid build-up in the lungs. People infected with COVID-19 pneumonia are also at the risk of developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). It is a progressive respiratory failure that shows up when the air sacs are filled with fluid. It makes it difficult to breathe.