Several types of lung infections are surging this fall, including walking pneumonia. Instances of the disease, officially known as Mycoplasma pneumonia, has been increasing over the last six months, so much so that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a bulletin about the matter. As such, parents should closely monitor their kids for symptoms of the illness, which is unaffected by common first-line antibiotics.
CDC say walking pneumonia cases surging amongst kids
According to the CDC, the number of walking pneumonia cases have been increasing since late spring, peaking in August. The disease is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and presents with symptoms similar to a chest cold or pneumonia. However, when it progresses to the latter, the infection is usually relatively mild, which is why it’s called a “walking pneumonia.”
Walking pneumonia symptoms are relatively mild and include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
Fortunately, around 75% of those who contract walking pneumonia get over it with no medical assistance. However, parents should note that walking pneumonia is unaffected by amoxicillin and penicillin. So, if your kid has a cough that worsens after treatment, you may need to take them back to the doctor to get an alternate antibiotic like azithromycin.
Experts speaking with CNN Health stated that walking pneumonia cases should start tapering off in a few months. However, flu season numbers are returning to pre-Covid levels, so parents should be vigilant. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets, which means crowded locations like schools are a hotspot for outbreaks.
To reduce the risk of infection, good hygiene habits like regular handwashing and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing are crucial. Parents might also consider keeping their children home when they’re sick to prevent spreading the illness to others, especially in school settings.
