question: Viral pneumonia (Treatment): Antibiotics do not treat this type of lung infection. Medicines that treat viruses may work against some pneumonias caused by influenza and the herpes family of viruses. These medicines may be tried if the infection is caught early.   Treatment may also involve:     - Corticosteroid medicines   - Increased fluids   - Oxygen   - Use of humidified air     A hospital stay may be needed if you are unable to drink enough and to help with breathing if oxygen levels are too low.   People are more likely to be admitted to the hospital if they:     - Are older than 65 years or are children   - Are unable to care for themselves at home, eat, or drink   - Have another serious medical problem, such as a heart or kidney problem   - Have been taking antibiotics at home and are not getting better   - Have severe symptoms     However, many people can be treated at home. You can take these steps at home:     - Control your fever with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or acetaminophen. DO NOT give aspirin to children because it may cause a dangerous illness called Reye syndrome.   - DO NOT take cough medicines without first talking to your provider. Cough medicines may make it harder for your body to cough up sputum.   - Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm.   - Get a lot of rest. Have someone else do chores.