Bacterial pneumonia is often accompanied by chills, high fever, sweating, pleurisy (swelling of the lining of the lungs) and a productive cough with yellow/green mucus. When left untreated, it can become very deadly. Home treatment is typically adequate for flu; some medication is also a good option just to alleviate the symptoms.
The most important thing to remember is that when a certain illness is going on for more than a week, it is best to go to the doctor and get checked. Some would even get check-ups a few days after the onset.
Summary:
- Flu is caused by a virus while pneumonia is usually a bacterial infection.
- People with flu generally recover after a week or two without any treatment while people with pneumonia typically turn for the worse and will need prompt medical attention.
- Usually, flu can be home-treated while pneumonia needs to be treated promptly with antibiotics.
- Pneumonia is more severe than flu.
- Pneumonia can be secondary to flu.
- Bacterial pneumonia needs to be treated with antibiotics while flu will often just need rest and treatment to alleviate symptoms.
Q&A: Is Pneumonia More Serious Than The Flu? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
