- Online Doctor
Pneumonia
Pneumonia Treatment Online
In order to treat your pneumonia, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to prescribe medications to get relief from pneumonia, if you qualify. Get a new prescription to treat pneumonia or refill an existing prescription today. Our doctors can also refer you to a specialist for further treatment if needed.
Book an appointmentIn order to treat your pneumonia, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to prescribe medications to get relief from pneumonia, if you qualify. Get a new prescription to treat pneumonia or refill an existing prescription today. Our doctors can also refer you to a specialist for further treatment if needed.
Medication services available for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
No insurance required
Same-day prescriptions available*
*PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of pneumonia. 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. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion.
We accept these insurance plans and many more!
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Otherwise, new patient visits are $129, and follow-ups are only $69 for members.
Don’t see your provider listed? Email [email protected] or call (888) 564-4454 to talk to a PlushCare specialist.
3 simple steps to get treated for pneumonia today
Step 1
Book a pneumonia treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your pneumonia symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription for pneumonia, if needed.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Pneumonia treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request pneumonia treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
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
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
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $69
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
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Learn about pneumonia
According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia is a lung infection that affects one or both lungs. The infection causes the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs to inflame and fill up with fluid or pus. The infections can be caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Further, the American Lung Association points to pneumonia as the leading cause of hospitalization in both children and adults.
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 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
As described by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, pneumonia symptoms can include the following:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Rapid breathing
Sweating
Fever
Low oxygen levels
How to treat pneumonia
Early treatment is essential to prevent the spread of pneumonia and to reduce the risk of complications. If you or your child has pneumonia due to a bacterial infection, you will likely be treated with antibiotics. The specific type and duration of antibiotic therapy will vary depending on the severity of the illness and your risk factors. In most cases with milder symptoms, over the counter or prescription medicines will be given and patients typically can recover from home.
For severe form 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 breathing machine/ventilator.
If you have pneumonia, it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids. You should also avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Taking these steps will help you to recover from pneumonia and prevent the spread of the illness to others.
Pneumonia medications
The most common type of pneumonia is bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics work by killing the pneumonia bacteria that cause the infection. Some common antibiotics used to treat bacterial pneumonia include penicillin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin. In some cases, a stronger antibiotic, such as vancomycin or ciprofloxacin, may be necessary.
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
The best way to prevent pneumonia is to get vaccinated. Specifically, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by getting vaccinated against bacteria and virus that cause infections such as influenza, measles, COVID-19, whooping cough, etc., you can reduce your risk for pneumonia.
In addition to flu vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed two pneumonia vaccines available in the United States that help prevent pneumococcal disease: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, 15 and 20) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). PCV13 is recommended for very young children under the age of two, as well as people age 2 - 18 with certain medical conditions. CDC also recommends PCV15 OR PCV20 for older adults age 19 - 64 with certain medical conditions. PPSV23 is also recommended for people age 2 - 18 with certain medical conditions.
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. By taking these simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and others from this serious disease.
When to see a doctor for pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious lung disease that can be deadly. If you experience any of the symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for recovery. In some cases, pneumonia can be treated at home with rest and fluids. However, more severe cases may require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics. If you think you may have pneumonia, don't delay in seeking medical care.
Related conditions to pneumonia
Some conditions and illnesses can lead to the development of pneumonia due to weakened immune system, which can include:
Common respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis (inflammation of the tubes that carry air to your lungs)
Smoking
Surgery (i.e. heart surgery or a stem cell transplant).
Cancer treatment (radiation therapy and chemotherapy)
Possible complications related to pneumonia include:Lung abscesses
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Respiratory failure
Pneumonia treatment FAQs
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Symptoms of pneumonia range in severity, but if you are experiencing 2 or more of the following symptoms, contact your doctor for an official diagnosis immediately: a high fever up to 105 degrees, a deep cough that brings up greenish, yellow, or bloody mucus (may get worse at night), chills/shaking, a consistent feeling of being out of breath, often brought on by movement, feeling exhausted, no appetite, sharp chest pain that often occurs when taking deep breaths and/coughing, and fast, shallow breathing.
What are the four types of pneumonia?
The four main types of pneumonia are: bacterial, viral, mycoplasma, and other. Bacterial and viral pneumonia are the most common, mycoplasma pneumonia is less severe, and other pneumonia (including fungal pneumonia) is the rarest.
Is bacterial pneumonia contagious?
Bacterial pneumonia is caused by bacteria, typically Streptococcus pneumococcus. Depending on which bacteria are causing it, bacterial pneumonia can be contagious. The bacteria are spread by coughs, sneezes, and handling contaminated objects.
Is viral pneumonia contagious?
Viral pneumonia is contagious and can spread from person to person. A virus similar to the common cold and the flu causes viral pneumonia.
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:
1 week—fever subsides
4 weeks—mucus production down and chest relief
6 weeks—reduced coughing and improved breathing
3 months—symptoms should be gone, although fatigue may linger
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?
Uncomplicated viral pneumonia in otherwise healthy individuals may go away on its own. Bacterial pneumonia, however, will require antibiotic treatment. It’s very important to get your pneumonia diagnosed by a doctor so that you are able to get properly treated. If left untreated, pneumonia can be deadly with 50,000 people dying from pneumonia each year.
How do you know if you have pneumonia or a cold?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that is often described as a terrible cold or cough. Pneumonia symptoms are similar to that of a cold but are typically worse, causing pain and shortness of breath. If you are having trouble breathing, call your doctor for an official diagnosis.
Can I get pneumonia treatment online?
Yes, you may be able to get pneumonia treatment online. For uncomplicated cases of pneumonia, an online doctor can diagnose and treat your condition. Online doctors can recommend and prescribe treatments for symptom management as well as medications to fight off your infection.
Speak with one of our doctors during a telemedicine visit to determine what medications or treatment options could be appropriate for you.