Conventional antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Your doctor could advise you to take an antiviral drug to treat viral pneumonia. However, there are instances when rest and symptom control are sufficient.

Most people can take the following actions to treat their symptoms, like fever and cough, at home:

• Acetaminophen, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can all help you manage your temperature. AVOID giving youngsters aspirin.
• To assist bring up phlegm and loosen secretions, drink lots of water.
• Consult your doctor before taking any cough medications. One method your body uses to get rid of an infection is coughing. Ask your doctor about ways to obtain relief from your cough if it’s keeping you from getting the rest you need.

• Avoid smoking if you want your lungs to heal. This covers wood smoke, secondhand smoke, and smoking. If you use tobacco products and find it difficult to abstain from smoking while you heal, speak with your doctor. Now would be a good moment to consider giving up permanently.

• Get plenty of sleep. You might have to spend some time in bed. Until you feel better, get as much assistance as you can with meal preparation and housework. It’s crucial to limit your everyday activities until you’ve fully recovered.

• If your pneumonia is so bad that you need hospital treatment, you can get oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and other breathing therapies.