What is the treatment for white lung pneumonia? In most cases, people can “recover at home and are treated with antibiotics”, the Ohio health district said in its release. The CDC also said that doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics if someone develops pneumonia from the bacteria infection. What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. The infection is usually caused by bacteria or a virus. The infection causes inflammation (swelling) in your lungs. The air sacs in your lungs can fill up with fluid, making it harder for you to breathe. There are many types of pneumonia. One of the most common is pneumococcal pneumonia. This is caused by the bacterium streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia can be a mild illness, or it can be much more serious. Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially for: babies 12 months and under Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people people older than 70 years If you are recovering well from a cold or flu that then becomes worse, it may be pneumonia. What are the symptoms of pneumonia? The symptoms of pneumonia depend on: your age the cause and severity of your infection any existing immune system problems you may have The most common symptoms of pneumonia are: fever — a temperature of 38℃ or higher cough — which can be dry or may produce thick mucus difficulty breathing or shortness of breath rapid breathing feeling generally tired and unwell loss of appetite Your cough can last for several weeks after pneumonia has been treated successfully. People with pneumonia may also: have a headache have pleurisy (chest pain that is worse with breathing) be confused or disorientated (especially older people) — due to lack of oxygen turn blue around the mouth (cyanosis) — due to lack of oxygen If you have a bluish tinge to your lips or are confused call 000 for an ambulance right away. Quite often, people with pneumonia have had cold or flu symptoms that have got worse, not better. What causes pneumonia? Pneumonia is caused by an infection of the lungs. Most infections are caused by bacteria or viruses. Pneumonia can be triggered by a cold or the flu, which allows the germs to access to your lungs. Bacterial pneumonia Bacterial pneumonia may be caused by the pneumococcal bacteria, called streptococcus pneumoniae. This is one of the worst types of pneumonia. Other types of bacteria that can cause pneumonia are haemophilus influenzae and moraxella catarrhalis. Viral pneumonia Viral pneumonia is caused by different viruses. The most common are: influenza (flu) virus respiratory syncytial virus SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 In severe cases of COVID-19, breathing difficulties can develop into pneumonia. This is a serious illness that can be life-threatening. It’s thought that about half of pneumonia cases are caused by a virus. Pneumonia from other infections Another cause of pneumonia is mycoplasma pneumoniae. Pneumonia caused by mycoplasma organisms is usually milder, but the recovery can be longer. Other organisms, such as fungi, can also cause pneumonia. This is more common in people whose immune systems are not working properly. This includes people with HIV infection or people being treated for cancer. How is pneumonia treated? Treatment will depend on your age and the type of pneumonia you have. If bacteria have caused your infection, the main treatment is antibiotics. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria. In milder cases, antibiotics can be taken as tablets, by mouth. In more severe cases, they’ll be given to you via a drip, at least at first. Antibiotics are usually given at the first sign of pneumonia. If your symptoms don’t improve after 5 days of taking antibiotics, contact your doctor. Sometimes you may need to change the dose or type of antibiotic, or you may need more than one medicine. Viral pneumonia treatment Viral pneumonia cannot be treated with antibiotics. In most cases, viral pneumonia will clear up by itself. Will I need to go to hospital? Most people who have pneumonia will be able to recover at home. Some people will need to be treated in hospital. This is more common for people who are: babies young children people over 70 years In hospital you may get fluids through a drip in your arm, as well as antibiotics. The doctors will also monitor you to see if there is enough oxygen in your blood. Taking care of myself There are some things you can do to help your recovery: get plenty of rest drink plenty of fluids — to avoid dehydration take paracetamol— to relieve pain and reduce fever If you’re a smoker you should try to quit smoking. Keep well away from things that will irritate your lungs, such as wood fires and cigarette smoke. Some people may also need physiotherapy to help clear their lungs. Can pneumonia be prevented? Prevention is the best protection from pneumonia. Vaccinations can help prevent some types of pneumonia. One vaccination that reduces your risk of pneumonia is the pneumococcal vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is free in Australia for some people through the National Immunisation Program (see below). It’s a good idea to speak to your doctor about whether vaccination is recommended for you or for your children. Pneumococcal vaccine Vaccination is your best protection against pneumonia. This table explains more about the pneumococcal vaccine. What age is it recommended? How many doses are required? The recommended number of doses depends on: your age whether you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander where you live whether you have conditions that increase your risk of pneumococcal disease How is it administered? Injection Is it free? The vaccine is free for: routine childhood vaccination non-Indigenous adults aged 70 years or older Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older children, adolescents and adults with other conditions who are at risk from pneumococcal disease Ask your doctor if you are eligible for additional free vaccines based on your situation. You can find out more about vaccination on the Department of Health website and the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Common side effects The vaccine is very safe. Side effects depend on your age and the type of vaccine that you are given. In children, side effects may include pain, redness and swelling where the needle went in. Other reported side effects are: feeling irritable, feeling drowsy, fever, and a reduced appetite. It is recommended: as part of routine childhood vaccination for non-Indigenous adults aged 70 years or older for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older for children, adolescents and adults with other conditions who are at risk from pneumococcal disease