It is now peak season for respiratory illnesses, and it feels like everyone is fighting flu symptoms. In fact, the CDC estimates that there have been over 29 million flu cases, 370,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths so far this season. “It’s the worst flu season we’ve seen in the last 15 years according to one key indicator, visits to a healthcare provider for respiratory illness,” Dr. Juanita Mora, a physician and CEO of Chicago Allergy Center and Lung Association Board Director said. “This is impacting a lot of the people, including children, who have one denominator in common; the fact that they are unvaccinated.”
Part of the danger of becoming sick with flu is the possibility of severe illness or complications including pneumonia. Bacteria and viruses are common causes of pneumonia. One of the best ways to help prevent pneumonia is to be up to date on your flu, RSV, COVID-19 and pneumococcal immunizations. Unfortunately, only 44% of American’s report receiving a flu vaccine this season, and other respiratory vaccine rates have room for improvement. So how can you help protect yourself and your loved ones against all the respiratory illness activity causing missed work, school and fun? Dr. Mora helped us understand more about the link between flu and pneumonia, and what we can do to stay healthy this season.
How Flu Leads to Pneumonia
Influenza is a serious respiratory illness that easily spreads from person to person. Though it can affect anyone, developing pneumonia from a viral infection, like flu is particularly likely for individuals at increased risk like young children, adults 65 years or older and people with a chronic health condition like chronic lung, heart or liver disease, diabetes and immunocompromise.
As anyone who has been infected will tell you, the flu affects your entire body. This means that besides having respiratory symptoms like coughing and congestion, it also can cause extreme fatigue, muscle aches or fever. “Flu viruses enter the body when droplets travel through our nose or mouth, into our sinuses, down our throat and into our lungs,” Dr. Mora explained. “Though our lungs are trying to expel the mucus that is created by the virus, sometimes it accumulates, especially when people have an underlying lung condition like asthma, COPD, emphysema or pulmonary hypertension. These chronic conditions can predispose someone to being more susceptible to pneumonia and other complications.”
Pneumonia occurs when the lungs’ air sacs, called alveoli, become inflamed and fill up with fluid. People who develop pneumonia will likely experience a cough that can worsen over time, chest pain, fever or chills, shortness of breath, sweating and difficulty breathing. “I tell patients to watch out for labored breathing, or the need to use all your chest muscles to draw in a breath, which can happen in children and adults. This is an indication you need to head to the emergency department immediately.” She also warns that developing a cough that keeps you up at night, chest pain and any signs of dehydration are dangerous and mean you need to seek a doctor’s attention right away.
“The symptoms that are most common are these really horrible coughs that lead to shortness of breath and wheezing, and a complication of this severe flu is both viral and bacterial pneumonia which in turn can lead to respiratory failure which is the complication we most fear,” Dr. Mora said.
RSV, COVID-19 and Pneumonia
Besides flu, many other respiratory viruses are spreading in communities across the country. The CDC reports that COVID-19 and RSV activity remains elevated. If severe infection occurs, both viruses can lead to pneumonia or worse, particularly in individuals at increased risk. You can also get more than one respiratory illness at the same time. For those at high risk, “This viral season, being immunized is so important. Everyone over 6 months old is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, and the RSV monoclonal antibody is recommended for babies less than 8 months, but now a vaccine is also available for people 60 and older who are at high risk,” stated Dr. Mora.
Protecting Yourself This Respiratory Virus Season
Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from severe flu. Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older and are especially important for those at high risk. Flu vaccines need to be updated annually because the influenza virus is constantly changing. A pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine is also available for high-risk groups, ask your healthcare provider if you qualify.
Respiratory viruses spread when droplets pass through the air and enter the body through your nose or mouth or contaminate surfaces that you touch. So, in addition to being up to date on your immunizations, there are many everyday habits that can protect against illness. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and use hand sanitizer whenever water isn’t available. Use a tissue, or your elbow if one isn’t available, to cover your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze. If you are sick, stay home and keep your distance from others as much as possible. If you are well, stay away from individuals who are sick or use a mask to prevent contamination. “Keeping sick kids home from school or staying home from work is the best way to prevent spreading germs and staying healthy,” Dr. Mora agreed.
In most cases, flu, RSV and COVID-19 symptoms can resolve within a couple of weeks with rest and over-the-counter medication. However, if a respiratory virus lasts longer than a week or two, you need to contact your healthcare provider. If you are considered high risk, you should contact your healthcare provider right away because you are more likely to suffer from severe complications and there may be treatment options available.
Learn more about the flu, pneumonia and how to keep your family safe this season on our website.
Blog last updated: February 19, 2025
