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The treatment of viral pneumonia can be done at home, for 5 to 10 days, and, ideally, it should be started within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
If viral pneumonia is suspected or the flu is caused by viruses with a higher risk of causing pneumonia, such as H1N1, H5N1 or the new coronavirus (COVID-19), in addition to measures such as rest and hydration, Oseltamivir antiviral drugs can also be used. or Zanamivir, for example, to help eliminate the virus and prevent complications.
Other remedies, such as corticosteroids, Prednisone type, decongestants, such as Ambroxol, and analgesics, such as Dipyrone or Paracetamol, are used throughout the treatment to relieve symptoms such as accumulation of secretions and pain in the body, for example.
Remedies to treat viral pneumonia
The treatment of viral pneumonia or any suspected infection with the H1N1 or H5N1 viruses involves the use of antiviral drugs, prescribed by the general practitioner or pulmonologist, such as:
- Oseltamivir, known as Tamiflu, for 5 to 10 days, usually when caused by the Influenza virus, such as H1N1 and H5N1;
- Zanamivir, for 5 to 10 days, also when Influenza virus infection is suspected, such as H1N1 and H5N1;
- Amantadine or Rimantadine are also useful antivirals in the treatment of Influenza, although they are less used because some viruses can be resistant to them;
- Ribavirin, for about 10 days, in the case of pneumonia caused by other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus or adenovirus, which are more common in children.
In cases where viral pneumonia occurs in conjunction with bacterial pneumonia, the use of antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin or Ceftriaxone, for example, is also recommended for about 7 to 10 days. Also, learn how to identify and treat bacterial pneumonia in adults and children.
What are the remedies for COVID-19 pneumonia?
Antiviral drugs capable of eliminating the new coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 infection are not yet known. However, studies are being carried out with some medications, such as Remdesivir, Hydroxychloroquine or Mefloquine, which have already shown positive results in some cases and, therefore, can be used in some cases, provided they are done under the supervision of a doctor. .
See more about the drugs being studied to treat COVID-19.
How much time does the treatment last
Generally, treatment for cases of influenza caused by influenza or pneumonia without complications, the treatment is done for 5 days, at home.
However, when the person shows signs of severity, such as difficulty breathing, low blood oxygenation, mental confusion or changes in the functioning of the kidneys, for example, hospitalization may be necessary, with the treatment being prolonged for 10 days, antibiotics in the vein and use of an oxygen mask.
Care during treatment
During the treatment of viral pneumonia the patient must take some precautions such as:
- Avoid public places, such as school, work and shopping;
- Stay at home, preferably at rest;
- Do not frequent places with sudden changes in temperature, such as the beach or playground;
- Drink plenty of water daily to facilitate the phlegm fluidization;
- Inform the doctor if there is an increase in fever or phlegm.
Viruses that cause viral pneumonia are contagious and especially affect people with weakened immune systems. Therefore, until treatment begins, patients must wear a protective mask, which can be purchased at the pharmacy, and avoid direct contact through kisses or hugs, for example.