Walking pneumonia cases are rising this year, especially among young children. The increase is linked to bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. These bacteria often cause mild respiratory illnesses, including walking pneumonia. While mild, walking pneumonia can still cause persistent and uncomfortable symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia often feels like a bad chest cold. It usually doesn’t require bed rest but can linger for weeks. Common symptoms include:
- Dry or wet persistent cough
- Low-grade fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Chest pain and/or tightness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Runny nose
- Chills
- Sneezing
- Low appetite
Symptoms tend to develop gradually and last longer than a typical cold. In children under five, extra symptoms may cause nausea or vomiting. Diarrhea, skin rash, and trouble feeding in infants are serious concerns. Labored breathing, like using neck or rib muscles, requires immediate care.
The illness is most common in school-aged children. However, it is increasingly affecting younger kids this year.
How is Walking Pneumonia Diagnosed and Treated?
Doctors diagnose walking pneumonia through symptoms, exams, or lab tests. A PCR test, blood test, or chest X-ray may confirm infection. Sometimes, symptoms alone are enough for a diagnosis. Nasal or throat swabs can detect M. pneumoniae bacteria. Some facilities use a respiratory panel to test for multiple infections.
Most people recover with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. Cough and fatigue may last four to six weeks after recovery. In some cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics like azithromycin for faster recovery. Antibiotics work best when started within three to four days of symptoms. Amoxicillin is ineffective against M. pneumoniae and not used for this illness.
Side effects from antibiotics may entail stomach upset or rare heart issues. Severe cases may require hospitalization for oxygen or IV fluids.
Honey can ease cough in children over one year old. Always consult a doctor for young children with persistent or severe symptoms.
How to Prevent Walking Pneumonia
Walking pneumonia spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. You can lower your risk by following these simple steps:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wear a mask in crowded spaces, especially during outbreaks.
- Maintain distance from people who are visibly sick.
- Keep sick children home until they are fever-free and rested.
- Gather in well-ventilated areas or outdoors when possible.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
There is no vaccine for walking pneumonia. However, other vaccines can help protect against related respiratory infections. COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccines strengthen your immune system. Staying immunized reduces your risk of severe illness from walking pneumonia.
Who Is at Risk?
Certain groups are more affected by walking pneumonia. Children ages 5 to 17 are the most commonly affected. This year, cases are rising in children ages 2 to 4 as well. People with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe symptoms.
Symptoms often appear two to three weeks after exposure, spreading the illness. Children returning to schools and activities has worsened the current spread.
Conclusion
Walking pneumonia is a common, mild illness that can still disrupt daily life. Cases are rising, especially among children, due to various contributing factors. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking timely care can prevent complications.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
