Walking Pneumonia on the Rise Among Kids Across the U.S. – What Parents Should Know
If you've noticed a lingering cough in your child or yourself lately, it could be due to walking pneumonia, a mild but persistent form of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae . Cases are increasing across the United States, especially among young children, according to the CDC. Pediatric specialists, like Dr. Preeti Sharma, have observed a noticeable rise in cases. Dr. Sharma, a pediatric pulmonologist and mother, recalls how her own child developed persistent coughing and fatigue after a minor cold. The deep, lingering cough finally tipped her off that it could be mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacterial infection often mistaken for a mild cold or viral cough due to its relatively mild symptoms.
While the symptoms of walking pneumonia are typically milder than traditional pneumonia, this doesn't mean it’s harmless. Children often develop upper respiratory symptoms like prolonged coughing, sometimes accompanied by red eyes, rashes, headaches, and even fatigue. Pediatric emergency specialists like Dr. Caleb Ward of Children’s National Hospital have noted that cases have surged to nearly ten times the usual rate in some areas this year. Notably, schools have become hubs for spreading the infection, with kids passing the bacteria to one another, then bringing it home.
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Walking pneumonia cases typically affect children and teens aged 5 to 17, but recently, even younger children between the ages of 2 and 4 are becoming more frequently infected. Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, notes that this age shift is consistent nationwide. Fortunately, most cases remain mild, often manageable at home with plenty of fluids, rest, and medications to reduce fever if needed. A cough can linger, however, even after other symptoms subside, leading to prolonged periods where children may still be mildly contagious.
Treating mycoplasma pneumonia differs from other types of bacterial infections, as the standard antibiotics like amoxicillin are ineffective. Instead, physicians turn to macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin, which effectively target Mycoplasma pneumoniae . Children can return to school once they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication, but parents should remember that symptoms like cough and congestion may linger.
Parents should monitor for specific signs that may warrant a visit to the doctor: if a child is having trouble breathing, seems unusually fatigued, is not drinking enough, or if the fever lasts more than five days. In these cases, consulting a healthcare provider is essential.
To prevent the spread, it’s a good reminder for everyone to practice good hygiene, especially as winter approaches and respiratory infections spike. Handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes can go a long way to protect kids and adults alike. With proper treatment, most children recover well, but staying aware of symptoms and early intervention are key as this trend continues.
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