A major danger with Covid is you never know which way your symptoms will go. While some have only mild symptoms, others can end up suffering long-term health issues from the virus.
One common complication which can develop after any viral infections including coronavirus, is pneumonia, a condition that causes your lungs to swell up.
The onset of pneumonia can be quite sudden, emerging within a 48-hour period. The NHS has warned that the lung condition can lead to symptoms such as a phlegm-producing cough.
You can also expect to see thick yellow, green, brown mucus when you cough, sometimes it could be blood-stained as well.
Here’s everything you need to know about pneumonia symptoms and the best way to prevent it from developing.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia you need to be aware of?
One of the first signs of pneumonia can be noted within your breathing, which can become more laboured.
Your breathing could be described as "rapid and shallow" and you could find yourself becoming breathless even during rest.
You can also develop a chest pain, which might get worse when breathing or coughing. Other common signs may include a rapid heartbeat, high temperature, sweating and shivering, a loss of appetite and a general feeling of unwell.
The less common symptoms are headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, joint and muscle pain, as well as confusion and disorientation.
Anyone experiencing signs of pneumonia are advised to use the NHS 111 online service. However, if you start coughing blood or develop difficulties in breathing, it might be best to call to 999 for an ambulance.
Who is at risk of developing pneumonia?
Those who are most at risk of developing pneumonia include:
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Babies and very young children
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Elderly people
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People who smoke
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People with other health conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, a heart, kidney or liver condition
While mild pneumonia can be treated at home with plenty of rest and drinking fluids, certain at-risk groups can develop more severe symptoms and may require hospital treatment.
The NHS explained that whether or not a person develops serious or fatal complications depends on a person's health and age.
Some complications include e pleurisy which is when the lining between the lungs and ribcage becomes inflamed leading to respiratory failure, lung abscess and blood poisoning.
How to prevent pneumonia
The best way to reduce the risk of developing pneumonia are lifestyle changes, including being a non-smoker. This is because smoking damages the lungs and increases the risk of infection.
Another tip would be to limit alcohol consumption, as alcohol misuse can weaken the lung's natural ability to fight against infection.
Anyone at high risk of getting pneumonia are also advised to get the flu vaccine. You can also get the Covid vaccines, including the booster to prevent yourself from developing pneumonia as a side effect of Covid.
