Knowing the differences of the flu vs. pneumonia can help you better determine how to manage your symptoms and when to seek care. This guide will explore the differences between these two conditions, from onset to recovery. Here’s what you should know about the flu vs. pneumonia.
Understanding the differences between the flu and pneumonia
The flu is a highly contagious viral illness affecting the nose, throat, and lungs. While it may cause symptoms similar to pneumonia, these are each unique conditions. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes air sacs to fill with fluid. Pneumonia can cause patients to experience shortness of breath and may be caused by either a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The fluid-filled sacs block oxygen from reaching the bloodstream, posing a dangerous condition for the body’s cells. This is why pneumonia is more serious, especially for elderly or chronically ill individuals.
Pneumonia can cause serious complications if left untreated. According to the CDC, most of the people affected by pneumonia in the United States are adults. CDC data shows more than 41,000 people died from pneumonia in the United States during 2022. Alternatively, the CDC suggests about 5 to 20% of the population suffers from the flu each season.
Presentation & onset
One key difference in the flu vs. pneumonia is the presentation and the onset of symptoms. The flu causes patients to suddenly develop symptoms, such as a fever or muscle aches. In contrast, the symptoms of pneumonia occur gradually over a few days and take longer to produce than the flu.
Some patients may develop pneumonia as a complication of the flu. In these cases, symptoms of pneumonia can feel like the flu has returned. However, pneumonia will ultimately progress within a few days, producing other symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath.
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Body pain and body aches
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Chills
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Pain when breathing deeply
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Yellow or green mucus
How to know if you have pneumonia or the flu
The best way to determine if you have the flu or pneumonia is to seek medical care from your WellMed provider. However, there are some signs and clues you can pay attention to that may suggest which illness you have. First, consider how fast your symptoms started. The flu is caused by a virus, which can leave you with sudden symptoms. If your symptoms come on suddenly, your illness is more likely to be caused by influenza (the flu).
You might notice you go “downhill” quickly, developing uncomfortable symptoms such as extreme tiredness and painful body aches. Pneumonia can be caused by a virus or a bacterial infection, which can cause symptoms to develop gradually over one to two days.
Examining your symptoms is another way to tell the difference between the flu and pneumonia. Patients with the flu tend to have more aches and pains, whereas pneumonia tends to cause more respiratory symptoms like a deep, loud cough or chest pain.
When to see a doctor
If you suspect you have the flu, you must seek help from a medical professional immediately upon the onset of symptoms. Anti-viral medications can effectively shorten the duration and intensity of flu symptoms. However, to be effective, these medications must be taken within two days of the onset of symptoms. Once the two-day mark has passed, the flu virus will have to run its course naturally.
Patients who develop pneumonia symptoms should seek care from a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. If you’ve recently had the flu, pneumonia could have developed as a complication of the flu. You should also see a doctor if:
- You are high risk. High-risk patients such as elderly persons or those with chronic illnesses should seek help from a doctor promptly, as both the flu and pneumonia can cause dangerous complications.
- Symptoms are worsening.
- You have a weakened immune system or other health conditions.
Testing and diagnosis of the flu vs. pneumonia
Although there are some signs to pay attention to, testing is the best way to diagnose respiratory illnesses like the flu and pneumonia properly. Based on your symptoms, your health care provider may recommend a rapid flu test to determine if you have the flu within 15 minutes. The test will require your doctor to swab the inside of your nose to collect a mucus sample.
If you present with symptoms that suggest pneumonia, you may need a chest x-ray. A chest X-ray allows your health care team to view areas of lung inflammation. Sometimes, a Completed Blood Cell count (CBC) blood test may also help diagnose your illness. Patients diagnosed with pneumonia may need to return post-infection for a repeat chest x-ray to ensure the infection is gone.
Treatment options
Treatment options for the flu depend on the timeline. Patients who seek medical care within one to two days of the onset of the symptoms may receive an antiviral medication that can lessen the intensity of the symptoms. However, there is no cure for the flu. Once you have the flu, only rest and time will work as your body fights off the virus. Patients with the flu should drink lots of fluids and can use over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms and discomfort.
The treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of infection and the severity of the symptoms. Pneumonia caused by a virus will have to run its natural course, just like the flu. However, pneumonia caused by a bacterial illness may require antibiotics. Bacterial pneumonia is more common than viral pneumonia. In some instances, a steroid medication may also be prescribed to help reduce inflammation caused by pneumonia.
Most patients with the flu will recover on their own within two weeks. However, this can be shortened if the patient has taken anti-viral medications. Viral pneumonia may go away on its own, but bacterial pneumonia will require a course of antibiotics.
How to manage symptoms at home
Rest and recovery are key to overcoming any illness. To help support your recovery, consider the following tips to manage symptoms at home:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated with enough water or hot tea helps thin mucus and support your recovery.
- Eat a well-rounded diet. Try to eat even if you’re not hungry.
- Get lots of sleep to allow your body to recover.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as going to the gym, which can worsen your condition or make you susceptible to secondary infections.
- Use over-the-counter pain medications and fever reducers to manage headaches, fever, and body aches.
- Avoid exposure to smoke.
- Take hot showers to loosen mucus in your nose and throat.
- Follow recommendations from your health team, including taking any prescribed medications on time.
- Monitor symptoms and seek help if symptoms worsen.
- Avoid close contact with others in your home until you feel better.
Flu and pneumonia prevention
Getting your annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. Flu shots change every year based on modifications in the flu virus. An annual flu shot works by triggering your body to create antibodies that help prevent the flu and can lessen its severity. The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months get a flu shot; however, it is essential for those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions. Speak with your WellMed provider to learn more about receiving your annual flu shot.
While an annual flu shot is a great start, no vaccine is 100% effective in protecting you from the flu. Maintaining other general health and hygiene practices can also help to protect you from developing these illnesses.
Some good practices to help prevent these illnesses include:
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wash hands regularly with warm water and soap (for at least 20 seconds).
- Stay home and avoid others when you’re feeling sick.
- Avoid smoking or other harmful respiratory irritants.
- Use air purifiers and ensure good ventilation within your home.
Prevention is key: find a WellMed doctor today
Getting sick is never fun. Preventive care is key to avoiding the flu or pneumonia and staying healthy all winter. Practicing healthy hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing can also help you avoid catching the flu or developing pneumonia.
WellMed providers are here to help you stay healthy, providing extra support for those with multiple chronic conditions. Book a preventive health appointment today with a WellMed doctor near you to learn more.
References
American Lung Association. “Pneumonia Symptoms and Diagnosis.” American Lung Association. Accessed December 20, 2024. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/symptoms-and-diagnosis.
American Lung Association. “Pneumonia Treatment and Recovery.” American Lung Association. Accessed December 20, 2024. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/treatment-and-recovery.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Flu Burden FAQ.” CDC. Last reviewed October 15, 2023. Accessed December 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu-burden/php/about/faq.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Flu Symptoms and Diagnosis.” CDC. Last reviewed September 12, 2023. Accessed December 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Pneumonia Prevention.” CDC. Last reviewed December 8, 2023. Accessed December 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/prevention/index.html.
