PREVIEW
Viral pneumonias resulting from community outbreaks of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus infection, and parainfluenza can be life-threatening in elderly and immunocompromised persons. In this article, Drs Chien and Johnson discuss the clinical characteristics of these viruses, therapeutic options, and preventive measures. Part 1 of this article, in the January issue, presented a multifaceted approach to diagnosis of viral pneumonias. Part 2, published in February, focused on the five pathogens most likely to cause pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.