DCM and pneumonia

[3dragons]

I have DCM but am coping with the symptoms reasonably well (when compared to how much worse it could be). My 7yo son has just been diagnosed with a viral pneumonia, and is very symptomatic. Whilst it is not a very serious case of pneumonia (we have avoided need for any hospital stay so far), I am concerned whether or not I am any more susceptible to getting it because of the DCM, and if I do, should I be any more worried about the implications of having it than if I didnt have the DCM in the first place? I am his main carer, and so am with him a lot; What do I need to look out for (with myself?). As I already experience SOB with minimal exertion, fatigue, frequent nausea and other common symptoms with this condition, (and a dry cough from my meds), I am worried that I might miss something and this new virus take hold before I recognise it for what it is. I am guessing to get help if I develop a fever - but anything else that anyone knows of?

[kenkeith]

A respiratory problem can stress the heart to provide an increase of blood/oxygen and the burdened heart will compensate by increasing the left ventricle size as well as heart rate, etc.  Untreated the heart's left ventricle will increase in size and unless successfully trested the heart's size will reduce contractual strength and could cause arrhythmia.  

Having Dilated Cardiac Myopathy (DCM) indicates an already enlarged left ventricle, and there isn't an ability to compensate as well as a normlal heart, and as a consequence decompensation will/can quickly occur