Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in your lungs. The three main causes of pneumonia are bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
Viral pneumonia is a complication of the viruses that cause colds and the flu. The virus invades your lungs and causes them to swell and block your flow of oxygen.
Pneumonia is a common and very serious disease. The flu is often the cause of pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ranks pneumonia combined with the flu as the 8th leading cause of death in the U.S. every year.
Children and people over 65 are considered high-risk cases because their bodies are more susceptible to infection. Other high-risk groups include pregnant women and people who have weakened immune systems.
Many cases of viral pneumonia clear up within a few weeks. However, viral pneumonia can range from mild to severe. Severe cases can be life-threatening.