
Pneumonia Treatment Online
If you have breathing problems that may suggest pneumonia, consult with one of our board-certified primary care doctors for an evaluation and guidance as to the best treatment plan*. Get a new prescription to treat pneumonia if you qualify. Our doctors can also refer you to a specialist for further treatment if needed.*
*If you are experiencing severe breathing problems or other life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 911 and going to your nearest emergency room. Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of pneumonia or other breathing complications. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment.
Learn about pneumonia
Pneumonia causes
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, bacteria, virus, and fungi can bring about the infections that cause the lung air sacs to inflame and fill up with fluid. The most common cause of bacterial infection is the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is spread through contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva or mucus. However, other sources of bacterial infections are: Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus.
In addition, viruses such as influenza and RSV are common causes of pneumonia, particularly in young children. Fungal pneumonia is more rare and occurs typically in people with weakened immune systems. Three types of fungi that typically cause pneumonia in the United States are: coccidiodomycosis, histoplasmosis and cryptococcus. Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling irritants such as smoke or dust particles.
Symptoms of pneumonia
How to treat pneumonia
For severe forms of pneumonia, hospital treatment may be necessary, so that the patients can get antibiotics and fluids into their bodies intravenously (IV). Patients may also be given oxygen therapy or put on a breathing machine/ventilator.
Our board-certified primary care doctors at Plushcare can help evaluate your symptoms to assess the likelihood of pneumonia versus other causes. It’s important to remember, however, that a lung exam with a stethoscope in-person is often a critical tool to help the diagnosis. Therefore, our doctors may refer & guide you to in-person care should a clear diagnosis not be available. Ultimately, your health & safety is our priority.
Pneumonia medications
For pneumonia due to viral infections, there is no specific pneumonia medication that will cure the infection. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the respiratory system. Medications used to treat viral pneumonia include antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, cough medicine, and medicines to relieve pain.
How to prevent pneumonia
In addition to flu vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorses three pneumonia vaccines available in the United States that help prevent pneumococcal disease. These are pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV), meaning they’re inactive forms and pieces of the virus to help our bodies identify the actual virus should it enter our system later. The current options are the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, 15, and 20) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).
PCV15 or PCV20 are recommended for all children under the age of two, as a 3-dose series every 2 months followed by a booster at least 8 weeks after the last dose in the series. PCV13 has been replaced by PCV15 or, even more preferred, PCV20, as both of those offer better protection than PCV13. If your child has started the series with PCV13, they can complete the course with PCV15 or 20 without having to restart.
Catch-up vaccines between ages 2 to <6 if your child’s previous vaccines were incomplete or never received should be two doses of PCV15 or PCV20, at least 8 weeks apart.
If a child has immune compromising or other high risk conditions and never received PCV20 as part of their series, it’s strongly recommended by the CDC that they receive a of PCV20 before the age of 6 (in addition to their series and booster). This is because PCV20 offers the most protection.
If a child between ages 6 and 18 has not had a complete vaccines series and needs to catch up, or has never had the vaccine, it’s recommended they get one dose of PCV20.
The CDC also recommends PCV20, or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 1 year later, for adults ages 19 - 64 with certain high-risk medical conditions, including diabetes and cigarette smoking, and for every adult over the age of 65. Certain very high-risk cases may differ, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your medical history in order to be the most protected you can from pneumonia
You can also help prevent pneumonia by practicing good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands frequently. If you are sick, it's better if you stay home from work or school to avoid infecting others and wearing a mask while in public places. By taking these simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and others from this serious disease.
When to see a doctor for pneumonia
Pneumonia treatment FAQs
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
What are the four types of pneumonia?
Is bacterial pneumonia contagious?
Is viral pneumonia contagious?
How long does pneumonia last and what are the stages of pneuomnia?
Here is a rough outline of what to expect for typical cases of pneumonia in otherwise healthy individuals with proper treatment:
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1 week—fever subsides
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4 weeks—mucus production down and chest relief
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6 weeks—reduced coughing and improved breathing
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3 months—symptoms should be gone, although fatigue may linger
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6 months—full recovery
Remember, recovery varies drastically depending on who is infected and the type of pneumonia, the timeframes above do not apply to all cases and will change from person to person.
Does pneumonia go away on its own?
How do you know if you have pneumonia or a cold?
Can I get pneumonia treatment online?
Speak with one of our doctors during a telemedicine visit to determine what medications or treatment options could be appropriate for you.
3 simple steps to get treated for pneumonia today

Book a pneumonia treatment appointment.

Talk to your medical provider regarding your pneumonia symptoms.

Pick up a prescription for pneumonia, if prescribed by your doctor.
Pneumonia treatment pricing details
30 days of free membership
- Same-day appointments 7 days a week
- Unlimited messages with your Care Team
- Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
- Exclusive discounts on lab tests
- Free memberships for your family
- Cancel anytime
Paying with insurance
Membership
$19.99 /month
First month free
Visits
Copay
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:



Paying without insurance
Membership
$19.99 /month
First month free
Visits
$129
Visit price without insurance
Related conditions to pneumonia
Some conditions and illnesses can lead to the development of pneumonia due to weakened immune system, which can include:
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Common respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis (inflammation of the tubes that carry air to your lungs)
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Smoking
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Surgery (i.e. heart surgery or a stem cell transplant).
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Cancer treatment (radiation therapy and chemotherapy)
Possible complications related to pneumonia include:
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Lung abscesses
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome
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Respiratory failure
Frequent Urgent Care Searches
Pneumonia treatment resources:
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Pneumonia - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, Accessed October 16, 2023, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pneumonia.
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American Lung Association. “Pneumonia Symptoms and Diagnosis.” Lung.org, Accessed October 16, 2023, https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/symptoms-and-diagnosis.
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MedlinePlus. “Pneumonia.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Accessed October 16, 2023, medlineplus.gov/pneumonia.html.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.