Respiratory viruses cause up to one-third of the pneumonia cases in the United States each year. They are the most common cause of pneumonia in children younger than 5 years old.
Depending on the cause of pneumonia and the age of the child, symptoms may vary. Some common ones include:
- Coughing and/or wheezing
- Fever
- Chills
- Nasal congestion
- Unusually rapid breathing
- Chest pain
- Decreased activity
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, visit one of FastMed’s walk-in clinics. We aim to provide quick, convenient, and cost effect care for non-life threatening injury or illness.
Pneumonia in Children: Treatment & Prevention
Treatment for pneumonia in children is prescribed based on the type of pneumonia your child has. The most common type of pneumonia—viral—is not treated with antibiotics because they do not affect the viruses that cause it. Bacterial pneumonia, which in some cases may be more severe, is often treated with antibiotics that can kill the pneumonia causing bacteria.
You can prevent the spread of pneumonia in children by limiting your child’s contact with people who may have a cold or the flu. Teaching your children to wash their hands frequently and cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze can help prevent the spread of pneumonia causing bacteria to others.
It is recommended that all children in the United States under 5 years of age get the Hib vaccine. It’s often given to infants starting at 2 months of age to prevent infections by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia and meningitis.
FastMed opens early, closes late, and does not require appointments. If you think your child may have pneumonia, visit one of our clinics located in North Carolina or Arizona. Our medical professionals are ready to help.