Should I Be Worried About Walking Pneumonia?

There has been a big increase in cases of walking pneumonia in North America this year, especially in younger children. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) causes this infection, which spreads through coughing and sneezing, leading to respiratory problems. 

While there has been an increase in cases in both adults and children, the rise is most noticeable in kids aged two to four. This is surprising because the bacteria usually affects school-aged children aged (five and older.) Considering that infections like these can be more dangerous in younger children, parents may wonder if walking pneumonia is something they need to worry about this winter. Let’s take a look at the facts.

Why is it called walking pneumonia?

M. pneumoniae usually causes milder infections than other types of pneumococci. However,  up to 10% of people who get infected with it end up with full-blown pneumonia. It’s known as “walking pneumonia” because even people who are infected can often still go about their usual activities rather than being confined to bed. Though it’s milder, it can still cause fever, chest pain, and other symptoms that can last for weeks. In rare cases, it might even require hospitalization.

According to the CDC, about two million people in the United States get infected with the bacteria yearly. This might be lower than the actual number of infections since many cases aren’t diagnosed. This year, the surge in cases seemed to peak in late August, but they’re still higher than in previous years. The CDC issued an update bulletin in mid-October advising healthcare providers to be aware of the upward trend and alerting them to consider M. pneumoniae as a cause of pneumonia and test when indicated.

Why are cases rising?

It is not known why the increase is happening yet. Studies have shown that the rates of M. pneumoniae infections naturally cycle roughly every three to seven years. Experts also thought cases would go up after the COVID-19 pandemic because social distancing and other safety measures had lowered resistance to this bug and other germs. Many children stayed home during the pandemic instead of going to daycare or school. As a result, some of them may not have been exposed to the bacteria and developed immunity, leading them to get infected now.

Causes, Transmission, and Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia

M. pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can infect the respiratory system, including the throat, windpipe, and lungs. These infections are usually mild. However, there are times when the infection can become more serious, requiring treatment with antibiotics.

Symptoms typically appear one to four weeks after infection by the bug and might last for several weeks. Mild cases can be treated at home without medication. Signs of infection include a sore throat, a dry cough that might linger for weeks or months, headaches, fever, tiredness, and shortness of breath.

Children under five might show different symptoms than older kids and adults. These symptoms can include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How is Walking Pneumonia spread?

The infection spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Others can catch it by breathing in these droplets or by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed. A person can carry the bug without symptoms and still pass it on to others. Those infected with the bug can spread it for around 20 days, whether or not they have any symptoms.

People can get infected more than once, so it’s essential to take adequate protective measures to protect oneself and others. One way to do this is by practicing good hand hygiene through regular handwashing. Try to stay in well-ventilated spaces or outdoors. Anyone who has any symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting others. If there is a need to go out while possibly infected, wear a mask and cover coughs and sneezes. Avoid visiting places like hospitals or aged care facilities and stay away from people who are at higher risk of severe illness, such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. 

How is Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection diagnosed?

A swab test of the nose and throat detects M. pneumoniae infection. In some cases, a doctor might also perform a blood test or a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia and rule out other lung problems. 

How do symptoms of walking pneumonia differ from COVID-19 or the common cold?

The bacteria often lead to symptoms resembling a long-lasting chest cold, such as a cough, fever, headaches, and tiredness. Children also often experience headaches and ear aches.

It can be hard to distinguish between coronavirus, the flu, or the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). One feature of walking pneumonia is that the symptoms don’t always improve after a few days. Instead, they worsen slowly over a few weeks and can last up to a month.

Some people might also get a rash. Occasionally, infections can cause asthma attacks or kidney problems and brain swelling. They can also be more serious in people with weak immune systems.

Medications for Walking Pneumonia

Individuals with mild infections typically get better without medical intervention. M. pneumoniae is resistant to other types of antibiotics like penicillin, so making the right diagnosis is vital.  Doctors usually prescribe macrolide antibiotics, such as Zithromax, Biaxin, or Erythromycin, when someone develops pneumonia from this bug. 

Thankfully, this germ isn’t one of the most contagious ones people encounter, so in most cases, there is no need to panic. Staying current on health trends, consulting a healthcare provider when concerned, and maintaining a healthy immune system over the winter months are some of the actionable steps people can take to help avoid walking pneumonia.

What’s the difference between walking pneumonia and bronchitis?

Pneumonia and bronchitis differ mainly in which parts of the lungs they affect. In pneumonia, the infection is in the air sacs, while in bronchitis, the airways get affected.

What does a pneumonia cough sound like?

A pneumonia cough can be deeper or louder than usual and might produce green, yellow, or bloody mucus. The cough type varies based on the kind of pneumonia and its stage.

Why is pneumonia worse at night?

Pneumonia fills the air sacs in the lungs with fluid, making it hard to breathe comfortably. As a result, sleeping at night can be difficult because of the discomfort from this illness.

Can you have pneumonia without a fever?

Pneumonia usually comes with a fever, but it’s possible to have it with a mild fever or no fever at all. This is more common in people over 65 or children under 2, especially newborns and infants.