Half of all pneumonias are believed to be of viral origin. Most viruses attack the upper respiratory tract but some produce pneumonia, especially in children. Primary influenza virus pneumonia is severe and may be fatal. The virus invades the lungs and multiplies. With this type of pneumonia, there are almost no physical signs of lung tissue becoming filled with fluid.  

Symptoms

The initial symptoms of virus pneumonia are those of influenza (flu):

• fever
• dry cough
• headache
• muscle pain
• extreme fatigue

The symptoms advance rapidly, within 12 to 36 hours:

• increasing breathlessness
• worsening cough producing scant amount of bloody sputum
• high fever
• possibly blueness of lips

Are You at Risk?

Pregnant women or people with pre-existing heart or pulmonary illness are most susceptible