You May Have Walking Pneumonia and Not Know It

Cases of walking pneumonia have been increasing recently, with higher incidences than in previous years. If you're experiencing a persistent cough, even without feeling severely ill, walking pneumonia could be the cause.

What causes walking pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia is primarily caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium that has become more prevalent lately, especially among young children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It often presents with mild symptoms similar to other respiratory illnesses, such as coughing, sore throat, and fever. In some cases, it leads to a persistent cough that can last for weeks or even months.

What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?

The most common symptoms resemble those of a cold, the flu, or COVID-19 and include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Ear pain
• Chest pain (from coughing)

Many individuals with walking pneumonia don't feel ill enough to stay in bed and continue with their daily activities. However, if symptoms worsen, breathing becomes difficult, or if you're at increased risk of complications, it's important to seek medical attention. In rare cases, walking pneumonia can progress to more severe pneumonia, exacerbate asthma symptoms, or cause other serious health issues.

Who is most likely to get walking pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia is contagious but not as highly transmissible as some other respiratory illnesses. It spreads through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or speaking, typically requiring close contact with an infected person. The illness is more common in young children, who often contract it at school, and in individuals living in close quarters.

It's possible to be contagious even without symptoms. Since many people with walking pneumonia don't feel sick enough to stay home, they may inadvertently spread the illness while going about their usual routines.

How can I protect myself from getting walking pneumonia?

Preventive measures include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or using hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable).
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who are visibly sick.
• Maintaining a strong immune system through healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

If you're sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent spreading the illness. If a tissue isn't available, cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm (by your elbow) rather than into your hand, where germs can spread more easily.

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Copyright 2024-2025 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.

‍