Walking pneumonia, a milder form of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is making a strong comeback in the U.S., with children being the most affected group. After a significant drop in respiratory infections during the pandemic, the illness is now spreading quickly, especially among kids aged 2 to 4. The CDC has recently issued a warning about this uptick, which has caught the attention of parents and doctors alike.
Physicians have been experiencing a remarkable increase in the incidence of walking pneumonia this year- seven times the quantity, based on positive diagnoses for children visiting emergency rooms which were reported to the CDC- Omicron variant cases went from just 1% in April to over 7% in early October, peaking in mid-August. Infection rates have fallen somewhat since then but remain far higher than usual at this time of the year.
Professionals say it may be for several reasons. The most likely one may be that kids are catching up on the infections they have missed in the pandemic due to social distancing and mask-wearing. “We’re seeing a bounce back in illnesses like walking pneumonia as more kids return to school and participate in social activities,” says Dr. Geoffrey Weinberg, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Also, infections of the respiratory system-My cop lasma pneumonia seems to appear in a cyclic fashion once every few years. The pandemic may have pushed this year’s cycle a bit, which has made its resurgence feel much more extreme than it otherwise might be.
What Is Walking Pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a mild lung infection caused primarily by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike more severe forms of pneumonia, walking pneumonia does not typically cause symptoms severe enough to confine someone to bed, allowing individuals—especially older children and adults—to “walk” around and continue with their daily activities while feeling under the weather. For children, though, the illness can still pose significant discomfort and may require medical attention, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Causes
The main culprit behind walking pneumonia in children is the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It’s more common in school-aged children and tends to spread quickly in settings where people are in close contact, such as schools or daycare centers. The illness often peaks during the late summer and fall months but can occur year-round.
Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia in Children
The symptoms of walking pneumonia in children tend to be milder compared to typical pneumonia but can still disrupt their well-being. These symptoms may come on gradually and worsen over several days. Common signs include:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Persistent Dry Cough | A dry, nagging cough is one of the hallmark symptoms of walking pneumonia. It tends to linger for weeks and may worsen at night, causing sleep disturbances. |
| Low-Grade Fever | Unlike typical pneumonia, which often presents with high fever, walking pneumonia usually causes a mild fever that stays around 100°F to 102°F (37.8°C to 38.9°C). However, some children may experience higher fevers. |
| Sore Throat | Children with walking pneumonia may complain of a sore throat, which is often mistaken for a common cold or flu initially. |
| Chills | Mild chills are another common symptom, indicating the body's response to the infection. These can be accompanied by feelings of weakness or fatigue. |
| Headache | Children with walking pneumonia may experience headaches due to the body's immune response to the infection. |
| Fatigue | Feeling more tired than usual is common in children with walking pneumonia. |
| Runny or Stuffy Nose | A runny or stuffy nose may accompany other symptoms of walking pneumonia. |
| Mild Chest Discomfort | Some children may experience mild chest discomfort, especially when breathing deeply or coughing. |
| Ear Pain | In some cases, the infection may affect the ears, causing ear pain. |
| Rash (less common) | Though less common, some children with walking pneumonia may develop a rash. |
These symptoms can start off mildly and gradually worsen over a few weeks. Unlike other bacterial infections, walking pneumonia does not respond to common antibiotics like amoxicillin, which can delay proper treatment if the illness is misdiagnosed.
How Is It Diagnosed and Treated?
With more sophisticated diagnostic tests available, the doctor today is far better equipped to identify Mycoplasma pneumoniae much faster. If your child has been coughing for over three weeks or shows signs of breathing difficulties, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider who may recommend a chest X-ray or other specialized testing to confirm the diagnosis.
The treatment usually involves the prescription of antibiotics, including a more powerful antibiotic called azithromycin against such types of bacterial infection. Most children recover well with effective treatment; however, if untreated, walking pneumonia may also result in complications.
Walking Pneumonia Is Part of a Larger Trend
The rise in walking pneumonia does not occur within a vacuum. Other respiratory infections, such as RSV and pertussis-or whooping cough-have also been on the rise this year, joining forces to create a perfect storm of infections just in time for winter. Parents should be sure to watch for any signs of severe or extended illness in their children and take measures to ensure they practice good hygiene, washing hands frequently and staying away from close contact with ill individuals.
What Can Parents Do to Protect Their Kids?
| Preventive Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Practice Good Hygiene | Teach children to wash their hands regularly and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. |
| Avoid Close Contact with Sick People | If someone in the household is ill, limit your child’s exposure. |
| Stay Up-to-Date on Other Vaccinations | Ensuring your child is vaccinated against other respiratory infections, like the flu, can help reduce the risk of secondary infections. |
| Seek Medical Attention for Prolonged Symptoms | If your child’s symptoms persist or worsen over a few weeks, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. |
| Stay Vigilant During Colder Months | As we head into colder months, staying informed and taking preventive measures can help keep walking pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses at bay. |
The sudden rise in the cases of walking pneumonia among children is a concern, but most children are seen recovering with timely diagnosis and proper treatment. A better understanding of the symptoms and some preventive measures will go a long way in bringing about a difference. For the parents going through this tough time, it has become highly important to keep oneself updated regarding the latest health advisories apart from consulting healthcare providers just in case any symptom manifests. Keeping the immune system of your child strong and encouraging good hygiene habits will go a long way in not only protecting against walking pneumonia but also other respiratory infections.
