Experts have warned of an expected increase in respiratory infections this fall and winter, including pneumonia. Pneumonia is usually caused by a bacterial infection and can affect individuals of all ages; however, the elderly and young children are more susceptible.
Pneumonia can result from influenza or a cold and can develop into a life-threatening condition. To avoid reaching a severe state, the British newspaper "The Sun" reported 4 important symptoms indicating that influenza has turned into serious pneumonia, as follows:
**Persistent Flu Symptoms**
Cold symptoms typically resolve within a few days for most individuals and may include a runny nose or cough. It can be easy to confuse pneumonia with stubborn colds that last longer. However, to avoid any serious complications, it is imperative to consult a doctor if you notice that flu symptoms do not subside within several days, as this may be a sign of pneumonia.
**Difficulty Breathing**
We all may feel a bit short of breath when we have a cold, but if you are struggling to breathe, this may be a sign of pneumonia. To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor is likely to ask if you are experiencing shortness of breath or breathing faster than normal. This may also present as chest pain, and you may have pneumonia if your chest hurts when inhaling or exhaling.
**Persistent Fever**
A persistent fever can be a sign of pneumonia, likely accompanied by chills, shaking, and sweating. When the virus causes pneumonia, you are likely to experience a fever.
**Sputum**
If you have a cough, you may sometimes notice some sputum, but if you have pneumonia, you are likely to have either a dry cough or a cough accompanied by sputum production. If the sputum is yellow, green, brown, or blood-stained, it indicates that you have pneumonia.
**Less Common Symptoms**
Experts state that the aforementioned symptoms are the common primary indicators of pneumonia, but there are less common symptoms including coughing up blood, headaches, fatigue and weakness, wheezing during breathing, as well as joint and muscle pain and feelings of confusion.
