Common colds and the flu do not , be themselves , require any invasive medical treatment . This is also true of viral pneumonia a disease which can only be confirmed by X-ray and in any event , is associated with mild symptoms . Bacterial pneumonia , on the other hand , is a very serious condition and does require immediate medical attention . The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include a fever above 102 degrees , severe shortness of breath , aversion to bright lights , stiff neck and blueness of the skin