Imagine feeling a persistent cough, a mild fever, and fatigue, but still managing to continue your day as usual. This is a reality of several individuals living with walking pneumonia- a type of mild pneumonia (also known as Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection) that affects the lungs. Though it seems like a mild infection, it can increase the concern regarding its contagiousness. So, if you or someone around you is struggling with illness, there might arise a question, "Is walking pneumonia contagious?"
This article will answer your question and help know how and for how long this infection is contagious. Additionally, we'll discuss what you can do to prevent its transmission. Read on!
Is Walking Pneumonia Contagious?
Yes, according to the American Lung Association, walking pneumonia or mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is contagious, spreading from one individual to another.
Around 2 million people in the United States are affected by this infection every year. The cases among children were high in 2024. However, it does not easily spread compared to other types of pneumonia. This mild infection is typically caused by bacteria- “Mycoplasma pneumoniae” and is spread via respiratory droplets when sneezing, coughing, or talking.
Moreover, it can also be transmitted by bacteria present on the surface contaminated with the infection. The bacteria pass to another person by touching that surface and then your nose, eyes, or mouth. This type of illness commonly spreads in close settings such as workplaces, houses, or schools.
How Long Is Walking Pneumonia Contagious?
A person can spread the walking pneumonia to others for nearly 10-14 days. This period starts a few days before any potential symptoms develop and lasts till those symptoms may not resolve. Moreover, people can spread this infection even though they do not develop any symptoms or have mild symptoms. This means individuals can still spread walking pneumonia before they get sick.
How You Get Affected With Walking Pneumonia?
This is how you get infected with walking pneumonia:
Bacterial infection: The bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause it.
Close contact: Spread via respiratory droplets when the person with the infection sneezes or coughs.
Crowded places: Close-setting places like workplaces, houses, or schools can increase the risk of transmission.
Increased risk of weak immune system: Individuals with weak immune systems are extremely prone to this infection.
Direct contact: Touching the surfaces contaminated with bacteria like mycoplasma pneumoniae or viruses and then your face can also raise the transmission risk.
Who is Most Affected by Walking Pneumonia?
Anyone can get affected with walking pneumonia. However, the risk is higher if you:
are above 2 years
are around 65 or older
have asthma
have emphysema (chronic lung disease)
are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
have a weak immune system or take immunosuppressant drugs
work or live in crowded settings, including schools, nursing homes, offices, dormitories, or military barracks
use tobacco products
use inhaled corticosteroids regularly
Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia
Though walking pneumonia symptoms are mild, they can cause huge discomfort such as:
Symptoms in Adults
Persistent mild, dry cough
Fatigue
Low-grade fever
Headache
Sore throat
Chest pain
Shortness of breath (in highly severe cases)
Symptoms in Children
Children below 5 frequently experience these symptoms:
Stuffy or runny nose
Frequent, lingering cough
Diarrhea
Sneezing
Vomiting
Sore throat
Watery eyes
Fever
Wheezing
Note: As walking pneumonia shares similar symptoms with flu or common cold, always consult the doctor to determine the exact cause.
2024 Walking Pneumonia Case Stats
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been low incidences of walking pneumonia (Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections) as since this pandemic there has been more masking and social distancing.
From March 31 to October 5, 2024, the cases increased in the U.S.A. among all age groups, with high cases in August and increasing since then.
The cases were extremely high among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections increases from 1.0%-7.2% in children aged 2 to 4 years and 3.6%-7.4% among children aged 5 to 17 years.
How To Know if Your Cough is a Symptom of Walking Pneumonia?
If you experience or notice these signs, this may indicate you have pneumonia-associated cough:
Persistent dry cough that lasts for weeks
Mild or fluctuating fever
Weakness or tiredness without explanation
Cough along with sore throat
A feeling of mild pain or tightness in the chest
Difference between Regular Pneumonia and Walking Pneumonia
Here are the key differences between regular pneumonia and walking pneumonia:
Aspect | Regular Pneumonia | Walking Pneumonia |
Cause | By bacteria, fungi, or viruses | Commonly by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. |
Severity | Severe, requiring hospitalization. | Mild to moderate, basically doesn’t need hospitalization. |
Symptoms | High fever, difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, cough, and chest pain | Mild fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and headache. |
Onset of Symptoms | Sudden start with a fast progression. | Slow development of symptoms over time. |
Treatment | Strong antibiotics or antivirals often need highly intensive care. | Antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin |
Hospitalization | Requires frequently in severe cases. | Requires hospitalization in rare cases. |
Contagion | Highly contagious, particularly in the early phase. | Contagious but less severe. |
Impact on Physical ability | May make everyday activities challenging because of severe symptoms. | With mild symptoms, individuals can continue their daily routines. |
Treatment for Walking Pneumonia
The doctors recommend the following treatment plans:
Antibiotics: Azithromycin, amoxicillin, or doxycycline are some antibiotics given as first-line treatment
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are effective pain relievers to reduce pain and fever
Cough medicine: To ease cough symptoms
Rest: Proper rest, allows the body to recover well and fast
Hydration: Drinking a lot of water or fluids to maintain the body's hydration levels
As walking pneumonia is a mild infection, it does not need hospitalization
Tips To Prevent Walking Pneumonia
Unfortunately, no vaccines are available to prevent the risk of walking pneumonia. However, you can consider these steps to reduce any possibility:
Cover your mouth and nose: Always use a tissue to cover your nose or mouth or an elbow while sneezing or coughing.
Regularly wash your hands: Clean your hands using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of spread of respiratory droplets to others via contact.
Disinfect surfaces: Always disinfect commonly used or touched surfaces or tools such as phones, doorknobs, or light switches.
Wear a mask: If you are in public places, wear a mask to lower the chances of transmission.
Stay home: If you're diagnosed with this infection, stay home until you completely feel better.
Avoid smoking: Don't smoke as it can worsen the symptoms and cause further complications.
Get vaccination: Receive a flu shot each year.
When To Seek Medical Help
If you or someone you know suspects walking pneumonia, consult the doctor. Seek medical help immediately in case of:
Worsening of symptoms like cough or fatigue
Shortness of breath
Persistent high fever above 102°F for several days
Continuous and sharp chest pain.
Severe fatigue while performing daily activities
Having a weak immune system or living with chronic health issues
By examining the developed symptoms and how long a person had them, healthcare professionals can determine the treatment.
What Happens if Walking Pneumonia is Left Untreated?
If you leave walking pneumonia untreated, it can lead to a more severe form of pneumonia. This can result in:
Worsening of symptoms like cough or fatigue
Spread of infection to lungs or other body parts
Feeling of exhaustion and weakness for a longer period
Respiratory complications such as lung damage or difficulty breathing
Prolonged infection, causing more discomfort
Possible hospitalization in severe cases
Final Thoughts
Is walking pneumonia contagious? Yes, this infection is contagious. It can spread from one person to another most commonly via respiratory droplets. Though it is a mild infection, it can still spread in public settings. Hence, it's crucial to take some precautions like covering your mouth, washing your hands regularly, and staying home. If you or someone you know has walking pneumonia, consult the doctor. This helps prevent further complications and also protects others from infection.
Stay safe as well as protect others!
Read Also Is Pneumonia Contagious? Everything You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of walking pneumonia?
101°F or below fever, cough, fatigue, fast breathing, sore throat, chills, and headaches are the first signs of walking pneumonia.
Can your body fight off walking pneumonia on its own?
Yes, the body can fight against walking pneumonia, but sometimes, a person needs antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading and recover fast.
What can be mistaken for walking pneumonia?
In so-called walking pneumonia, the major physical symptoms are either milder or, in some cases, not present at all. They can be confused for a cold or the flu.
What does walking pneumonia cough sound like?
It sounds like a louder and deeper cough than a regular cough which seems like a dry and hacking sound.
What is the fastest way to cure walking pneumonia?
Antibiotics are the fastest way to treat walking pneumonia, helping recover quickly.
Can lungs heal after pneumonia?
Yes, but the lungs might take several weeks or months before you feel normal.
How do you differentiate walking pneumonia & COVID-19?
Though both are respiratory illnesses, walking pneumonia is commonly caused by a bacteria called " Mycoplasma pneumoniae" while COVID-19 is caused by a virus- "SARS-CoV-2".
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