How does viral and bacterial pneumonia differ?

Bacterial pneumonia is normally treated with antibiotics which can either be taken orally or intravenously depending upon the severity of the condition whereas viral pneumonia can be treated with antivirals such as rimantadine hydrochloride and amantadine hydrochloride. read more

Bacterial and viral pneumonia also have different treatment options. Because bacteria respond to antibiotics, bacterial pneumonia is typically treated with these medications. If a medicine is prescribed for viral pneumonia, it is usually an antiviral drug. read more

Treatment is the biggest difference between bacterial and viral pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotic therapy, while viral pneumonia will usually get better on its own. In some cases, viral pneumonia can lead to a secondary bacterial pneumonia. At that point, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. read more