Treating pneumonia: What to consider - Healthy at Home with Dr. Handy | CHOP

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by a virus or bacteria. In this video, Dr. Lori Handy talks about the causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention of pneumonia.
Dr. Handy explains that the symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe, requiring hospitalization, and how a viral infection can set the stage for a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia. She discusses which vaccines can prevent infections associated with pneumonia and emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with recommended vaccinations.
Dr. Handy also discusses common treatments for pneumonia. Importantly, antibiotics are not effective if pneumonia has been caused by a viral infection.
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Preventing pneumonia
00:55 Symptoms of pneumonia
01:38 Viral infection followed by bacterial infection that causes pneumonia
02:03 Treating pneumonia
For more information about the “Healthy at Home with Dr. Handy” series or other Parents PACK programs, please visit our website, vaccine.chop.edu/parents.
Video created by and for the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (VEC at CHOP) is composed of scientists, physicians, mothers, and fathers devoted to the study and prevention of infectious diseases. The Center was launched in October 2000 to provide accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
If you have any questions about your child’s health, please contact your child’s doctor. This video is intended only to provide general education and not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship between you and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). It is not medical advice or treatment, and CHOP is not responsible for any outcomes you or your child might experience from your use of this video. This video is provided “AS IS” with no warranties or representations. This video is copyright of CHOP. All rights reserved. ©2023 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.