Question
A 48-day-old baby has contracted pneumonia, and the doctor recommends hospitalization for intravenous treatment. Can the baby be treated at home instead? Are there any other medication treatment options that do not involve the pain of injections for such a young child?
Answer
Based on the described situation, it is still advisable to hospitalize the 48-day-old baby with pneumonia. Since the baby is very young, the condition may change rapidly, and hospitalization ensures safety. Moreover, the effectiveness of oral medication for treating pneumonia is usually poor, and it may not effectively control the condition, potentially worsening to respiratory distress or respiratory failure. Even if hospitalized, the treatment time typically requires at least one week or more. This is the recommendation for the question ‘Should a 48-day-old baby with pneumonia be hospitalized for treatment?’ I hope this helps, and wish the baby a speedy recovery!