Difference Between Flu and Pneumonia

Flu vs Pneumonia

With so many health scares nowadays, it is imperative that you should obtain as much information as you can. However, for many of us, there can be a lot of confusion when it comes to identifying even the most common of sickness.

Catching flu is totally different from having pneumonia. The source of each illness is often different therefore treatment is certainly dissimilar. The confusion often starts from the initial symptoms since there are lots of similarities in the warning signs of both sicknesses.

When they progress, a definite difference will become evident but it is often the point where a person feels better or become worse. In most cases, a person who feels better after a week or two, most likely, had the flu. On the other hand, the person who turned for the worse has pneumonia.

When it comes to severity, pneumonia is often the more serious illness but it should be noted that some types of flu can also be deadly. Flu is caused by the influenza virus while pneumonia, which can also be caused by a virus, is often brought about by a bacterial infection. The flu virus usually attacks the upper respiratory tract of the body such as nose, throat, and respiratory tubes.

With pneumonia, a person is likely to have severe breathing issues since the illness concentrates primarily on the lungs. Flu can also cause respiratory annoyances but not as much as pneumonia. Pneumonia can be secondary as it can be started by having flu.

Bacterial pneumonia is often accompanied by chills, high fever, sweating, pleurisy, 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:

1. Flu is caused by a virus while pneumonia is usually a bacterial infection.
2. 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.
3. Usually, flu can be home-treated while pneumonia needs to be treated promptly with antibiotics.
4. Pneumonia is more severe than flu.
5. Pneumonia can be secondary to flu.
6. Bacterial Pneumonia needs to be treated with antibiotics while flu will often just need rest and treatment to alleviate symptoms.

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