An estimated 2 million infections occur each year in the U.S. ## Who Can Get Walking Pneumonia and How Does It Spread?
Walking pneumonia spreads through respiratory droplets during close contact, similar to other respiratory infections.
Why Are Walking Pneumonia Cases Rising?
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Chang said that cyclical patterns might also explain the rise.
These surges typically begin in late summer or early fall.
Since symptoms may take 23 weeks to appear, people can unknowingly spread the infection, making transmission easier.
Furthermore, some patients can shedMycoplasmafor months even after receiving appropriate antibiotics, Chang said.
Chang also pointed out that immunity gaps could be contributing to the increase.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, children were exposed to fewer germs, potentially weakening their immune defenses.
What Are the Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia?
This happens because the infection affects theciliain the lungs, which usually help clear mucus and bacteria.
According to the CDC, other common symptoms include fatigue, chills, and shortness of breath.
In rare cases,M.
How Does Walking Pneumonia Present Differently From the Common Cold?
One way to differentiate walking pneumonia from the common cold is by observing how it spreads within a family.
If the illness spreads more slowly, with a week or two between cases,Mycoplasmacould be the cause.
A key feature ofMycoplasmapneumoniae is coughing in bursts or fits, where patients struggle to catch their breath.
This cough can linger for a month or more, unlike most viral infections that resolve faster.
Always consult your childs healthcare provider if these symptoms appear.
How Does a Pneumonia Cough Sound or Feel?
A pneumonia cough can vary depending on the punch in of infection.
In contrast,M.
pneumoniaeusually causes a drier cough, often accompanied by chest tightness and difficulty taking deep breaths, Chang noted.
Wheezing is more frequent, and persistent coughing can lead to muscle or rib pain.
Nachman emphasized that pneumonia doesnt produce the characteristic whoop of whooping cough or the barking sound of croup.
When Should You See a Doctor?
There are no vaccines available to preventMycoplasmainfections.
In infants, trouble feeding can also signal a more serious viral infection.
If fever worsens after a week, parents should consult a healthcare provider.
However, if a provider suspectsMycoplasma, antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline are usually prescribed.
Antibiotics are most helpful if started within three to four days of the start of symptoms, Chang said.
After that, it isnt clear how much antibiotics help if patients have already developed coughing fits.
It isnt clear if antibiotics help that to resolve faster.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mycoplasma pneumoniaeinfections have been increasing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mycoplasma pneumoniaeinfection: causes and how it spreads.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
