While winter is typically associated with common respiratory illnesses such as the flu, cold, COVID-19, and RSV, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning of another rising illness: walking pneumonia. Cases of this mild but persistent lung infection have been increasing since last spring, with younger children accounting for the highest number of cases, an unusual trend as it typically affects school-aged children and older adults.
The CDC estimates that approximately two million cases of walking pneumonia occur in the U.S. annually. However, due to the lack of a formal national reporting system for the condition, data is primarily drawn from emergency room testing, which shows a notable increase in positive tests—from 0.7% to 3.3%—since spring across all age groups.
Walking pneumonia follows a cyclical pattern, with surges typically occurring every three to seven years. This pattern is thought to be linked to the development of antibodies that provide temporary protection against the bacteria. Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital, suggests that the current uptick could be due to the end of the last cycle, combined with reduced immunity following the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Walking Pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. While it shares symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue with other respiratory illnesses, it typically doesn’t cause severe enough symptoms to keep people bedridden. “You don’t feel real well, but you can continue doing your usual activities,” explains Dr. Teresa Lovins, a family physician in Indiana. Symptoms like a persistent cough and shortness of breath are common, but any congestion tends to be brief.
What Causes Walking Pneumonia?
Both walking pneumonia and more severe pneumonia are caused by infections of the lung tissue, but the bacteria involved differ. While walking pneumonia is most often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, traditional pneumonia can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza, or RSV.
How to Diagnose and Treat Walking Pneumonia
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam where doctors listen for characteristic sounds in the lungs or, in some cases, a chest X-ray. If symptoms persist, doctors may test for the M. pneumoniae bacteria, although testing is not always readily available in primary care offices.
Treatment for walking pneumonia often involves the antibiotic azithromycin, as Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not affected by common antibiotics like penicillin. Early diagnosis is important to ensure the correct treatment is administered, as other antibiotics may not alleviate symptoms.
Prevention Tips
Preventing walking pneumonia involves similar measures to other respiratory illnesses: avoiding crowded spaces with poor ventilation, frequent handwashing, and wearing masks when necessary. If you develop symptoms like coughing or sneezing, covering your mouth can help prevent the spread of the infection.
As walking pneumonia cases rise, especially among younger children, health experts urge vigilance in recognizing and treating the illness early to avoid prolonged symptoms.