We recently talked about pneumococcal disease, which can cause a serious form of pneumonia. Today we are going to talk about a much milder form of pneumonia, commonly called walking pneumonia. One specific cause of walking pneumonia has recently surged in activity, so I thought it would be a good time to discuss it.
What is walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is essentially a milder form of pneumonia, which is a lung infection that causes the air sacs in your lungs to fill with mucus and other fluids. It is commonly called walking pneumonia because patients may feel relatively well when they have it, and often feel well enough to walk around and carry on with their normal routine. Although they do feel sick, they are usually not sick enough to stay in bed or be hospitalized. However, sometimes the infection may progress to become severe (in about 5-8% of cases), and may even require hospital care.
Who gets walking pneumonia?
Anyone can get it, but here are some groups that are at increased risk:-
Young children 4 and under
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Older adults 65 and over
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People with a compromised immune system (from an immune disease or taking medication that suppresses immunity)
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People with chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, emphysema, asthma
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Smokers
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People who live or work in crowded places (dorms, schools, nursing homes, military barracks)
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People with lower incomes and/or less access to health care
What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?
People with walking pneumonia often think they have a bad cold or the flu. Symptoms may include:
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Sore throat
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Fatigue
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Cough, chest congestion, and/or chest discomfort
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Headache
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Low grade fever (less than 101°F) and/or mild chills
What causes walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia may be caused by viruses, molds/fungi, or certain bacteria.
One of the more common causes is a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, usually just called mycoplasma.
How does walking pneumonia spread and how contagious is it?
Walking pneumonia is spread by tiny droplets that go into the air when someone sneezes, coughs, or even talks. The germs can stay in the air for long enough for other people to breathe them in. Walking pneumonia is very contagious.
How can you decrease your risk of walking pneumonia?
Whatever the cause of walking pneumonia might be, you can decrease your risk of getting or spreading it by doing some basic measures, such as:
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Covering coughs and sneezes – use your elbow rather than your hand if you don’t have a tissue or handkerchief
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Washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
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Wearing a mask when you are around others who are sick, especially if you are at risk for infection
Next week, we will talk more about Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is one of the more common causes of walking pneumonia. It can also cause other respiratory illnesses as well.
If you have any questions about walking pneumonia, please log into your account and send us your question. We are here to help.
Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor