A method of reducing risk of influenza A virus infection progressing to viral pneumonia in a patient diagnosed with or suspected of having influenza A virus infection is provided herein, the method comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Also provided are a method of reducing severity of influenza A virus infection and a method of treating a patient diagnosed with or suspected of having influenza A virus infection, the method comprising administering to the patient via inhalation an effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor, such as rapamycin.
