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It can be difficult to distinguish between flu and pneumonia as they have similar symptoms. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and can be caused by various infections, while the flu is a viral infection in the nose or throat. Persistent coughing and difficulty breathing are signs of pneumonia, while a mild cough and high fever are associated with the flu. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, but viral pneumonia has no cure.
With many similar symptoms, it can be difficult to distinguish between the onset of flu and pneumonia. Even with close examination, the first signs of pneumonia can be indistinguishable from a flu or a cold. Complicating matters is the fact that pneumonia can develop as a complication of a bad flu, although this is relatively rare. Knowing the warning signs of pneumonia can help distinguish the crucial differences between flu and pneumonia.
Influenza and pneumonia can both be caused by a virus infection, although pneumonia can also be caused by a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an infection of the lungs, and is almost always linked to coughing, shortness of breath, and symptoms of all kinds that slowly get worse. The flu is typically related to a viral infection in the nose or throat and usually clears up in about a week without medical treatment.
The severity of respiratory symptoms can be a crucial component in distinguishing between influenza and pneumonia. People with the flu may have a dry or productive cough, but the cough is usually mild. With pneumonia, the cough is persistent and often accompanied by pain in the lungs. One of the most important keys to distinguishing the differences between these diseases is whether the person is having more and more trouble breathing, which indicates that pneumonia is a more likely diagnosis. Any signs of loss of circulation, such as a blue tinge to the nails, should be addressed with immediate medical treatment.
Fever can be a misleading symptom when distinguishing between flu and pneumonia. Many people with the flu develop a high fever that can last for several days, but those with bacterial pneumonia can also suffer from this symptom. Viral pneumonia, on the other hand, is associated with a persistent low-grade fever.
Most, though not all, types of flu resolve with home care consisting of rest, fluids, and nutrition. People may also choose to get a seasonal flu vaccine, which can protect against some forms of viral infections. The flu can become quite severe and even life-threatening, depending on the strain of the virus involved. If an illness hasn’t improved significantly after seven days, some experts recommend seeking the advice of a doctor. There are some antiviral drugs now available in many areas that can successfully treat some types of flu.
Pneumonia can be extremely serious and in some cases even fatal. Bacterial pneumonia can often be treated and cured with antibiotics, but viral pneumonia has no medical cure. People thought to have viral pneumonia are sometimes hospitalized for close monitoring, as the reduced ability to breathe and circulate oxygenated blood can endanger organs. If a person suspects they have pneumonia, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.
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