Viral pneumonia is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lungs due to infection with a virus.

See also:

• Atypical pneumonia
• Influenza
• Respiratory syncytial virus

Pneumonia - viral; "Walking pneumonia" - viral

Viralpneumonia is more likely to occur in young children and older adults, because their bodies have a harder time fighting off the virus.

Viral pneumonia is most often caused by one of several viruses:

• Adenovirus
• Influenza
• Parainfluenza
• Respiratory syncytial virus

People who are at risk for more serious viral pneumonia often have a weakened immune system, including:

• Adult HIV/AIDS patients
• Babies who are born too early
• Children with heart and lung problems
• People receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or other medications that weaken the immune system.
• Organ transplant recipients

Images

Lungs

Respiratory system

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Viral pneumonia Symptoms

Review Date: 09/15/2010
Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)