Treatment for viral pneumonia: remedies and care (and how long it lasts)

The treatment of viral pneumonia must be carried out under the guidance of a pulmonologist, or general practitioner, and should ideally be started within the first 48 hours after the appearance of symptoms, with the use of only analgesic medications, such as dipyrone and paracetamol, being generally recommended.

However, in people at high risk of complications, such as transplant recipients or the elderly, or severe cases of pneumonia caused by viruses such as H1N1, H5N1 or the new coronavirus (COVID-19), the doctor may also recommend the use of medicines. antivirals, such as zanamivir and oseltamivir, to help fight viruses and prevent complications.

Viral pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that can occur in children and adults, causing symptoms such as fever, dry cough or phlegm, and rhinitis. Learn more about the symptoms of viral pneumonia.

Understand better in the following video how viral pneumonia is treated:

Medicines to treat viral pneumonia

The remedies indicated to treat viral pneumonia vary according to the person’s age and the cause of the infection, and generally only the use of analgesics and antipyretics, such as dipyrone or paracetamol, is recommended to relieve fever, pain and discomfort.

However, for people at high risk of complications or in severe cases of pneumonia, the general practitioner or pulmonologist may also recommend the use of antiviral medications, such as:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), The use of 75 mg to 150 mg tablets, twice a day, for 5 days, is recommended for pneumonia caused by the Influenza virus, such as H1N1 and H5N1;
• Zanamivir, 10 mg tablets in aerosol form are generally indicated, twice a day, for 5 days, in infections caused by the Influenza virus;
• Amantadina, being indicated in cases of infection by the Influenza virus, with the recommended use of 100mg tablets, twice a day, for 5 days, or in the form of inhalation, twice a day;
• Rimantadine, where the use of 200 mg tablets is prescribed, once a day, for 5 days, in cases of infection caused by the Influenza virus;
• Ribavirin, 20 mg to 60 mg may be indicated, in nebulized form, only for severe cases of pneumonia caused by the respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus, which are more common in children.

Furthermore, other medications, such as corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and decongestants, such as ambroxol, may also be indicated during treatment to reduce inflammation and dilute secretions, for example.

As some cases of viral pneumonia may appear in conjunction with bacterial pneumonia, the doctor may also recommend the use of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin or ceftriaxone, for example, for around 7 to 10 days. Learn how to identify and treat bacterial pneumonia.

Medicines for pneumonia caused by COVID-19

Some of the medicines that may be recommended by a doctor for the treatment of pneumonia caused by COVID-19 in Brazil are the antivirals Remdesevir, Molnupiravir, Paxlovid and Sotrovimab, medicines that inhibit, prevent the replication or entry of the virus into cells, thus accelerating , the cure of the disease.

However, these medications are only indicated for use in adults and children who are hospitalized.

How much time does the treatment last

Treatment for mild and moderate cases of viral pneumonia usually lasts 5 days and can be done at home.

However, in cases of serious signs, such as difficulty breathing and mental confusion, hospitalization may be indicated, requiring the use of intravenous medication and the use of an oxygen mask, which can prolong treatment to 10 days or more.

Care during treatment

During the treatment of viral pneumonia, it is also important to maintain some precautions to help recover from the infection, such as:

• Avoid public placessuch as school, work and shopping;
• Stay at home and, preferably, at rest;
• Do not go to places with sudden changes in temperaturesuch as beaches or natural parks;
• Drink at least 2 liters of water per dayto improve the functioning of the immune system and facilitate the fluidization of phlegm;
• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet, prioritizing the intake of foods rich in protein, such as fish, eggs or dairy products; in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, cereals and tubers;
• Inform your doctor if there is an increase in fever or phlegm.

The viruses that cause viral pneumonia are contagious and especially affect people with weakened immune systems. Therefore, it is important to wear protective masks and avoid direct contact through kisses or hugs, for example, until treatment begins.