The flu season brings with it an uptick in respiratory illnesses, and while most people recover from the flu within a few days to a week, complications can arise. One of the most serious complications that can follow a flu infection is pneumonia. If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to develop pneumonia after having the flu, the symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent and treat this condition.
For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our medical team is here 7 days a week to diagnose and treat your symptoms. Just walk-in today!
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation in the air sacs, making it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe, and it can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Pneumonia can be particularly dangerous for certain groups of people, including the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
How Does The Flu Induce Pneumonia?
While the flu itself is a viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, it can also impact the lower respiratory tract (lungs). In some cases, this can lead to pneumonia, which can either be caused by the flu virus itself or by a bacterial infection that occurs as a secondary complication.
Influenza’s progression into pneumonia can be attributed to either of these two situations:
- It can be as a result of it directing mucus production to accelerate which traps bacteria and constricts the airways.
- Or an indirect result of influenza weakening the immune system enough for the body to be vulnerable to bacterial or fungi infection.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Pneumonia symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they may develop after the flu symptoms seem to improve. If you develop pneumonia after the flu, you may experience:
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Sinus pain
- Wet and productive cough
- High fever
- Shortness of breath
- Congested chest
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhea
If you experience any of these symptoms after the flu, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, as pneumonia can be a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
How To Treat and Prevent Your Flu From Becoming Pneumonia
1. Get Some Rest While Recovering From The Flu
The first thing a person can do to avoid the flu to pneumonia progression is to get some rest. Try to maintain good sleeping habits and avoid exhausting yourself. This allows your body to gain the strength necessary to fight off any further infections.
2. Avoid Contact With Allergens and Moldy Places
In some situations, it’s not the inflammation of the lungs or blocked passages that cause pneumonia but rather coming into contact with allergens that can worsen your situation even before you fully recover from influenza. Mold is often home to bacteria whose spores could quickly infiltrate the body and wreak havoc.
3. Get Your Flu Shot
It’s very important to get the flu shot after all it protects and vaccinates you from the flu. This cuts off the progression from the root itself and that is the influenza pathogen. The endgame is to prevent the flu from ever becoming a problem in the first place.
4. Drink Lots of Water
Dehydration weakens the immune system, making it extra easy to invade. A weakened immunity makes the body vulnerable to pneumonia infection and drinking fluids, especially lukewarm ones, can cause the mucus to slacken over time.
5. Avoid Contact With Infected People
The flu is notorious for its spreading capability and the droplets ejected during coughing can be attached to surfaces and later infect someone who comes into contact with it.
6. Make Use of Antibiotics and Antivirals
Flu is a viral agent and to take care of any lingering pathogen, antivirals can alleviate symptoms and complications. On the other hand, while pneumonia is not caused by bacteria, they are still quite effective in taking care of bacteria that take advantage of your weakened immunity to invade your body.
7. Decongestants
Decongestants can also relieve a person of nasal and chest congestion They do this by lightening mucus trapped in the lungs. Which allows it to come out as phlegm. The removal of this mucus reduces the risk of lung infection and pneumonia.
Get Walk-In Illness Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care West Orange
Pneumonia can be a serious complication of the flu, but with early recognition and treatment, most people can recover successfully. If you develop symptoms like a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or chest pain after having the flu, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Prompt treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and ensure a quicker recovery. Worried about pneumonia or flu symptoms? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange for a same-day evaluation and treatment plan. Our center is open seven days a week and appointments are never required. Most major insurances are accepted and we offer affordable rates for our self-pay patients. For more information about our services, contact our team directly at (973) 669-5900.
