Imagine having a persistent cough, a slight fever, and feeling tired, but still managing to carry on with your day as usual. This is the reality of many people living with walking pneumonia, a type of mild pneumonia that affects the lungs (also known as mycoplasma pneumoniae infection). Although it appears to be a mild infection, concerns about transmissibility may be raised. Therefore, if you or someone around you is battling the disease, the question may arise: “Is walking pneumonia contagious?”
This article will answer your questions and help you know how and for how long this infection is contagious. We’ll also explain what you can do to prevent infection. Read more!
Is walking pneumonia contagious?
Yes, according to the American Lung Association, walking pneumonia or Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is contagious and can spread from person to person.
Approximately 2 million people in the United States contract this infection each year. In 2024, there were many infected children. However, it does not spread as easily as other types of pneumonia. This mild infection is usually caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae and is spread through droplets from sneezing, coughing, or talking.
Additionally, it can be transmitted by bacteria present on surfaces contaminated with infections. Germs can be passed on to others by touching those surfaces, who then touch your nose, eyes, and mouth. This type of disease is usually spread in familiar environments such as workplaces, homes, and schools.
How long is walking pneumonia contagious?
Walking pneumonia can be contagious to others for almost 10 to 14 days. This period begins several days before the onset of potential symptoms and continues until symptoms no longer resolve. Additionally, people can spread this infection even when they are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. This means individuals can spread walking pneumonia before they become ill.
How is walking pneumonia affected?
This is how walking pneumonia is transmitted.
Bacterial infection: May be caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Close Contact: Spread through droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs.
Crowded places: Crowded places such as workplaces, homes, and schools can increase the risk of infection.
Increased risk of weakened immunity: People with weakened immune systems are much more susceptible to this infection.
Direct contact: Touching a surface contaminated with bacteria or viruses, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and then touching your face can increase your risk of infection.
Who is most affected by walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia can affect anyone. However, the risk is higher if:
Be over 2 years old
Approximately 65 years of age or older
I have asthma
Have emphysema (chronic lung disease)
I live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
have a weak immune system or are taking immunosuppressants
Working or living in crowded environments such as schools, nursing homes, offices, dormitories, barracks, etc.
use tobacco products
Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids
Walking pneumonia symptoms
Symptoms of walking pneumonia are mild, but can cause significant discomfort, including:
Adult symptoms
Persistent mild dry cough
fatigue
slight fever
headache
sore throat
chest pain
shortness of breath (in very severe cases)
symptoms in children
Children under the age of 5 often experience the following symptoms:
Note: Walking pneumonia has similar symptoms to the flu or common cold, so be sure to consult your doctor to determine the exact cause.
Walking pneumonia case statistics in 2024
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of walking pneumonia (Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection) has been lower due to increased mask-wearing and social distancing.
From March 31, 2024 to October 5, 2024, cases increased in all age groups in the United States, with the highest number of cases occurring in August and increasing thereafter.
Infection rates among children were very high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of Mycoplasma pneumonia infection increases from 1.0% to 7.2% in children ages 2 to 4 years and from 3.6% to 7.4% in children ages 5 to 17 years.
How do you know if your cough is a symptom of walking pneumonia?
If you experience or notice any of the following signs, it may indicate that you have a cough related to pneumonia.
Persistent dry cough lasting several weeks
Mild or fluctuating fever
Feelings of weakness or fatigue without explanation
cough with sore throat
Feeling a slight pain or pressure in your chest
Difference between normal pneumonia and walking pneumonia
The main differences between regular pneumonia and walking pneumonia are:
side
normal pneumonia
walking pneumonia
cause
Caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses
It is commonly caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
severity
The condition is severe and requires hospitalization.
In mild to moderate cases, hospitalization is generally not necessary.
symptoms
High fever, difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, cough, chest pain
Mild fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, headache.
manifestation of symptoms
It suddenly started with a quick turn of events.
Symptoms develop slowly over time.
process
Strong antibiotics and antiviral drugs often require highly intensive treatment.
Antibiotics such as doxycycline and azithromycin
hospitalization
It is often needed in severe cases.
Hospitalization is rarely required.
contagion
It is highly contagious, especially in the early stages.
It is contagious but less severe.
Impact on physical performance
Severe symptoms can make daily life difficult.
If your symptoms are mild, you can continue with your daily life.
Treatment of walking pneumonia
Your doctor will recommend the following treatment plan:
Antibiotics: Azithromycin, amoxicillin, or doxycycline are antibiotics given as first-line treatment.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are effective pain relievers that reduce pain and fever.
Cough suppressants: Relieve cough symptoms.
Rest: Get proper rest and allow your body to recover quickly.
Hydration: Drinking lots of water or liquids to maintain your body’s hydration levels
Walking pneumonia is a mild infection and does not require hospitalization.
Tips to prevent walking pneumonia
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent the risk of walking pneumonia. However, you can consider the following steps to reduce the possibility.
Cover your mouth and nose: Always use a tissue to cover your nose, mouth, or elbow when you sneeze or cough.
Wash your hands regularly: Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of spreading droplet infection to others through contact.
Disinfect surfaces: Always disinfect frequently used or touched surfaces and tools, such as phones, doorknobs, and light switches.
Wear a mask: If you are in public, wear a mask to reduce your chances of infection.
Stay at home: If you have been diagnosed with this infection, please stay home until you feel completely well.
Avoid smoking: Do not smoke as it may worsen your symptoms and cause further complications.
Get vaccinated: Get your flu shot every year.
When to seek medical help
If you or someone you know suspects they have walking pneumonia, talk to your doctor. Seek medical attention immediately in the following cases:
Worsening of symptoms such as cough and fatigue
shortness of breath
High fever over 102°F that lasts for several days
Continuous, sharp chest pain.
Severe fatigue during activities of daily living
have a weak immune system or chronic health problems
Health care professionals can determine treatment by examining the symptoms you have and how long they last.
What happens if walking pneumonia is left untreated?
If walking pneumonia is left untreated, it can lead to a more severe form of pneumonia. This can have the following consequences:
Worsening of symptoms such as cough and fatigue
Spread of infection to the lungs and other parts of the body
Feeling tired or weak for a long time
Respiratory complications such as lung damage and difficulty breathing
Discomfort increases as infection persists
In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
final thoughts
Is walking pneumonia contagious? Yes, this infection is contagious. It is most commonly transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets. Although it is a mild infection, it can still spread in public places. Therefore, it is important to take precautions such as covering your mouth, washing your hands regularly, and staying home. If you or someone you know has walking pneumonia, talk to your doctor. This will prevent further complications and also help protect others from infection.
Don’t just protect others, stay safe!
Also read: Is pneumonia contagious? Everything you need to know
FAQ
What are the first signs of walking pneumonia?
Fever below 101°F, cough, fatigue, rapid breathing, sore throat, chills, and headache are the first signs of walking pneumonia.
Can your body fight off walking pneumonia on its own?
Yes, your body can fight walking pneumonia, but you may also need antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading and help you recover faster.
What can be mistaken for walking pneumonia?
In so-called walking pneumonia, the main physical symptoms are mild or, in some cases, no symptoms at all. It can be confused with a cold or the flu.
What does a walking pneumonia cough feel like?
It sounds like a louder, deeper cough than a normal cough, which sounds like a dry hacking sound.
What is the fastest way to cure walking pneumonia?
Antibiotics are the fastest way to treat walking pneumonia and can help you recover quickly.
Will the lungs heal after pneumonia?
Yes, but it may take weeks or months for your lungs to feel normal.
How do you differentiate between walking pneumonia and COVID-19?
Although both are respiratory diseases, walking pneumonia is commonly caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, while COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Masu.
