Is It Normal To Feel Weakness In Legs While Recovering From Pneumonia?

Posted on Wed, 11 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 May 2016 Answered on

Thu, 23 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm 39 and in good health. I was just released from the hospital yesterday after being in there for 4 days as a result of pneumonia. I also was diagnosed with influenza B. My concern is, I can't walk. My legs feel like they are full of lead and I can't stNd or walk for more than a minute or two. Is this normal? When can I expect this will get better?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Are the legs so very weak? This is not uncommon!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this pneumonia and the weak legs. This is not uncommon and I suggest that you monitor again for a few days unless the weakness is so so much. If you fail to improve significantly within 5days, we will choose to explore further possible explanations which may be linked to the viral infection component of it.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar