Pneumonia
Flu complication: Pneumonia
Antibiotics do not help viral pneumonia.
Instead, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and take an over-the-counter painkiller (check with your doctor if you have other conditions) but do not take cough medicines.
If your symptoms are very severe, you are unable to drink enough, or you have complications, your doctor may refer you to the hospital. Here your treatment may include corticosteroid medicines, extra fluids, oxygen and humidified air.
Antibiotics do not help viral pneumonia.
Instead, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and take an over-the-counter painkiller (check with your doctor if you have other conditions) but do not take cough medicines.
If your symptoms are very severe, you are unable to drink enough, or you have complications, your doctor may refer you to the hospital. Here your treatment may include corticosteroid medicines, extra fluids, oxygen and humidified air.
Pneumonia can lead to serious complications, which can be fatal.
These include pleurisy (which can lead to respiratory failure), a lung abscess, blood poisoning or multiple organ failures.
Sources
(1) http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/153380/flu_case_management.pdf
(2) http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/160750/Influenza_EN_WHO_WEB.pdf
(3) http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/Pages/Introduction.aspx
(4) https://beta.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/
(5) https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000073.htm