Viral pneumonia is triggered by viruses such as influenza, chickenpox, adenoviruses or respiratory syncytial virus. It is transmitted via coughing, sneezing or touching an object that was contaminated by an infected person. In addition to swollen lungs, the patient also has impaired oxygen flow.
Viral pneumonia is said to be responsible for one-third of all pneumonia cases. People who have this type of pneumonia are also most likely to get bacterial pneumonia.