(NewsNation) — Cases of so-called “walking pneumonia” in the United States remain high after a six-month period of rising diagnoses.
Cases began climbing in the spring and peaked in late August, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Diagnoses appear to be rising the most among children, according to diagnosis data from March 31 through October 5, 2024. The percentage grew from 1% to 7.2% among children ages 2 to 4 years and from 3.6% to 7.4% among children ages 5 to 17 years, according to the CDC.
The increase in children ages 2 to 4 years is notable since the bacteria causing the illness usually isn’t a leading cause of pneumonia in that age group.
Health experts are tracking the rise in infections to understand the severity of the cases and which demographics may be most affected.
What is ‘walking pneumonia?’
“Walking pneumonia” is a nonmedical term often used to describe mild cases of pneumonia, known more commonly among professionals as atypical pneumonia.
Bed rest and hospitalization usually aren’t necessary, according to the American Lung Association. Symptoms tend to be mild enough to allow people to continue with their daily activities — hence the term “walking.”
The nickname can be misleading, however. If you have walking pneumonia, you’re still sick. Like any other illness, pushing yourself too hard too soon can interfere with your recovery, the American Lung Association cautions.
What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia can feel like a bad cold or the flu. Symptoms often include a cough, fever, chest pain, mild chills and headaches.
Someone with walking pneumonia might start out with a sore throat, chest pain and feel much more tired than usual. They may also experience a low-grade fever (less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, a cough, and sneezing.
Anyone can get walking pneumonia, but some people are at a greater risk. That includes people two or younger, 65 or older, anyone with a weakened immune system, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and emphysema, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Is walking pneumonia contagious?
Walking pneumonia is very contagious.
It’s spread through the droplets released when a sick person coughs, sneezes, talks, sings or breathes.
People with walking pneumonia are contagious for two to four weeks before symptoms start and until their symptoms go away, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Symptoms can last weeks, and an accompanying cough could persist for months, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What should I do if I think I or someone I care for has walking pneumonia?
A doctor can diagnose walking pneumonia by conducting a physical exam and listening to a patient’s lungs. They may order other tests, including chest X-rays or mucus and blood tests, to confirm a diagnosis and check for an infection in the lungs.
What causes walking pneumonia?
Atypical pneumonia can be caused by some molds, viruses or bacteria, according to the American Lung Association.
A common bacterium called mycoplasma pneumonia is often behind cases of walking pneumonia.
How is walking pneumonia treated?
Most people can recover on their own, but over-the-counter medicine can help ease symptoms.
Doctors may also choose to prescribe antibiotics.