Common winter respiratory illnesses like colds, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are familiar, but the CDC reports a rise in another: walking pneumonia.
Since last spring, walking pneumonia infections have increased, with younger children disproportionately affected—an unusual trend, as it typically impacts school-aged children and older adults. Due to the lack of a national reporting system, the CDC relies on emergency room testing data to estimate yearly cases, showing an increase in positive tests from 0.7% to 3.3% since last spring across all age groups.
Walking pneumonia outbreaks typically occur every three to seven years, likely due to cyclical antibody development. The current surge might be attributed to the end of this cycle and a pandemic-related antibody decline, according to Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital and American Lung Association spokesperson.
Here’s what experts advise knowing about this illness.
What is walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia, a milder form of pneumonia, shares symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue, but its name reflects the often less severe symptoms that don’t necessitate bed rest or hospitalization. According to Dr. Teresa Lovins, a family physician and American Academy of Family Physicians board member, symptoms include malaise, mild shortness of breath, and a cough, but generally allow for continued activity.
Unlike the flu or cold, walking pneumonia rapidly affects the chest, potentially causing shortness of breath. Congestion, if present, is often brief, lasting less than 24 hours, says Lovins.
What causes walking pneumonia?
Both pneumonia and walking pneumonia are lung infections, caused by various viruses or bacteria. Walking pneumonia is primarily caused by *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* bacteria, while pneumonia can result from bacteria like *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, *Haemophilus influenzae*, *Legionella pneumophila*, or viruses including influenza, the common cold virus, or RSV.
How do I know if I have it?
Diagnosis involves testing for *M. pneumoniae* or chest X-rays. While emergency rooms and urgent care centers offer bacterial testing, primary care physicians often diagnose based on lung auscultation. Lovins explains that pneumonia has a distinctive sound upon auscultation. Although a *Mycoplasma* test exists, it’s not routinely used in primary care; the physical exam is often key to diagnosis.
If a cough persists for over a week or fatigue continues post-illness, consulting a doctor to assess walking pneumonia is recommended.
While at-home tests aren’t yet available, Galiatsatos anticipates the development of *M. pneumoniae* testing kits in the future.
Is there a treatment for walking pneumonia?
Appropriate antibiotics treat walking pneumonia, highlighting the importance of testing, even if not always accessible. Galiatsatos explains that while doctors often initially prescribe strong antibiotics (penicillin or fluoroquinolones) for suspected pneumonia, these are ineffective against *Mycoplasma*, which requires azithromycin.
How can I protect myself from getting it?
Preventive measures mirror those for other respiratory illnesses: minimizing time in poorly ventilated, crowded indoor spaces (and using masks when necessary), frequent handwashing, and covering coughs and sneezes to limit transmission.