Atypical Pneumonia (?????)
Definition
Atypical pneumonia refer to pneumonia causes by certain uncommon bacteria/viruses ? such as,
Legionella pneumonphila (?????), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chamydia pneumoniae etc. which
can be quite severe and lead to high mortality rates. Elderly individuals, smokers and people with
chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for this type of pneumonia.
It should be very closely monitored in the situation of cluster occurrence of infection in healthy persons
such as the case in Prince Wales Hospital.
How will you feel and what you should do
? fevers and chills ? loss of appetite (anorexia)
? cough -- may be dry/productive of phlegm
? shortness of breath
? headache
? malaise
? muscular stiffness and aching ? confusion
? diarrhea
? rash
Diagnosis depends on a high level of suspicion. An early Chest X-ray is very helpful. Early antibiotic
treatment for patients who do not response to standard treatment is important. Intravenous fluid
hydration and oxygen therapy are helpful in some patients.
Advice to staff:
Calling your doctor
- Seek medical evaluation if you develop fevers, cough, and/or shortness of breath.
- Be prepare to seek a second medical opinion in the case of persistence of symptoms despite
treatment.
Prevention
- Avoid staying in area with poor ventilation and avoid crowded area;
- Reduce visits to hospitalized friends/relatives as far as possible and do not bring elderly/kids;
- Avoid smoking/smoky environment;
- Avoid traveling to epidemic region or countries;
- Ensure adequate rest and good nutrition to secure personal immunity;
- Avoid close contacts with colleagues, friends or family members with suspicious symptoms;
- Persuade your colleagues or family members to consult doctor if they develop suspicious symptoms.
Definition
Atypical pneumonia refer to pneumonia causes by certain uncommon bacteria/viruses ? such as,
Legionella pneumonphila (?????), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chamydia pneumoniae etc. which
can be quite severe and lead to high mortality rates. Elderly individuals, smokers and people with
chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for this type of pneumonia.
It should be very closely monitored in the situation of cluster occurrence of infection in healthy persons
such as the case in Prince Wales Hospital.
How will you feel and what you should do
? fevers and chills ? loss of appetite (anorexia)
? cough -- may be dry/productive of phlegm
? shortness of breath
? headache
? malaise
? muscular stiffness and aching ? confusion
? diarrhea
? rash
Diagnosis depends on a high level of suspicion. An early Chest X-ray is very helpful. Early antibiotic
treatment for patients who do not response to standard treatment is important. Intravenous fluid
hydration and oxygen therapy are helpful in some patients.
Advice to staff:
Calling your doctor
- Seek medical evaluation if you develop fevers, cough, and/or shortness of breath.
- Be prepare to seek a second medical opinion in the case of persistence of symptoms despite
treatment.
Prevention
- Avoid staying in area with poor ventilation and avoid crowded area;
- Reduce visits to hospitalized friends/relatives as far as possible and do not bring elderly/kids;
- Avoid smoking/smoky environment;
- Avoid traveling to epidemic region or countries;
- Ensure adequate rest and good nutrition to secure personal immunity;
- Avoid close contacts with colleagues, friends or family members with suspicious symptoms;
- Persuade your colleagues or family members to consult doctor if they develop suspicious symptoms.
