Walking Pneumonia on the Rise

We all experience our fair share of colds and coughs, and this is especially true for families of young children. Walking pneumonia might not be on your radar, but it should be. 

Discharge data from US emergency rooms have shown an increase in walking pneumonia among all age groups this year. The increase was highest among children ages 2 to 4, and prompted an alert from the Centers for Disease Control.

What is Walking Pneumonia?  

Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a milder form of pneumonia that’s caused by a different bacteria (most often Mycoplasma pneumoniae). Walking pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs.  

Individuals with walking pneumonia can usually continue their normal activities of daily living (school, work, etc.), unlike more severe forms of pneumonia. Hence, how it got the nickname “walking” pneumonia. 

Symptoms

• Persistent cough (either productive or nonproductive)  
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Headache and body aches
• Sore throat  

Despite symptoms being milder than traditional pneumonia, it’s still a condition that requires attention and proper management to prevent complications. Serious complications like new or worsening asthma, severe pneumonia and encephalitis are not common but can require hospitalization.

Why are Cases Rising?

During the pandemic, cases of walking pneumonia were low because it simply wasn’t being spread as widely while people were wearing masks and keeping their distance from others. That also means many people weren’t exposed to the bacteria, causing a decrease in immunity for people. 

In 2023, walking pneumonia cases began to reemerge globally. From April through October 2024, an increase occurred in all age groups across the U.S., peaking in August and remaining high. 

Prolonged outbreaks of walking pneumonia can occur in crowded places such as schools and nursing homes due to the long incubation period (1-4 weeks), which means people carrying the bacteria M. pneumoniae are contagious and unknowingly spreading the infection to others. 

What Should You Do?

Don’t panic. While walking pneumonia requires medical attention, it’s usually treatable with antibiotics. Be sure to see your primary care provider for diagnosis, which is done with a nasal swab and a chest x-ray. Delaying treatment can lead to complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems. 

Recommendations

• Follow your doctor's instructions. This may include a course of antibiotics.
• Get plenty of rest. This is vital for recovery.
• Drink plenty of fluids and stay well-hydrated.
• Manage symptoms. Use over-the-counter medications (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to manage fever and discomfort, as directed by your doctor. A persistent cough is common and may linger for weeks after treatment.
• Return to work/school/daycare. Once you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and feel well enough to participate.
• Call your doctor right away if you:
• Have difficulty breathing (seeing outline of ribs when breathing).
• Are not drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated (signs include dry mouth, decreased urination).
• Feel sleepier or more lethargic than usual. 
• Remain sick, particularly with fever, longer than five days.

How Can You Prevent the Spread? 

Keep in mind, people can spread the virus before they have symptoms and for weeks after being diagnosed and treated. Simple steps can help prevent the spread. 

• Wash hands often.
• Avoid touching your face, especially eyes and nose
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

My take-home message is to not underestimate that persistent cough – it could be more than just a cold. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or walk-in to a CHI Health Priority Care location if you're unsure. We are here to help.