Walking Pneumonia vs. Pneumonia
There are several types of pneumonia, and walking pneumonia is one of the least serious. Its symptoms are usually milder and do not require staying in bed or rushing to the ER. Walking pneumonia is often diagnosed after a physical examination or a chest X-ray, which shows patches of infection spread across the lung.
On the other hand, an X-ray is done for regular pneumonia to reveal the infected area of the lungs.
Another difference between both types of pneumonia is the symptoms. Walking pneumonia normally has milder symptoms, like a dry cough and a low fever. Regular pneumonia has more severe symptoms, with a high fever and a cough that produces phlegm.
Note: About 5-10% of walking pneumonia cases can become more severe if not treated promptly.
Walking Pneumonia Symptoms in Adults
Symptoms of walking pneumonia usually start 15-25 days after exposure to mycoplasma bacteria and tend to worsen over the next 2-4 days.
Symptoms of walking pneumonia in adults are:
- Sore throat.
- Cough.
- Mild flu-like symptoms such as fever with chills.
- Chest pain when taking a deep breath.
- Headache.
- Weakness.
Some other symptoms of walking pneumonia that are not very common in adults are:
- Ear infections.
- Anemia.
- Skin rashes.
Some people with walking pneumonia do not need bed rest and can continue daily activities despite having symptoms like a common cold. If you develop a new cough, fever, or shortness of breath, please consult a doctor to check if it might be COVID-19.
Walking Pneumonia Symptoms in Children
Walking pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia in school-going children. If your child has it, you might notice the following symptoms:
- Tiredness.
- Ear or sinus infections.
- Skin rash.
- Headache.
- Generally feeling unwell.
- Sore throat.
- Fever.
- Dry cough.
Some children with airway issues may experience wheezing, and these symptoms may last from 1-4 weeks.
Prevention
Walking pneumonia spreads through coughing and sneezing. To lower your risk of getting it, follow these tips:
- Get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19.
- Stay healthy by eating well on time, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water using antibacterial soap.
- Avoid smoking.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not share cups, toothbrushes, or utensils to avoid spreading germs.
If you have walking pneumonia, even though you can still move around, it’s best to take it easy and not spread the illness to others.
Takeaway
Walking pneumonia is a common infection with symptoms that often feel like a mild cold. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor; they might prescribe medication to help you recover faster.
If you have to ask more questions about your walking pneumonia symptoms, the medical team at Bima MD is ready to help. Call (817) 784-0052 to make an appointment.