Walking Pneumonia

•  Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Rash
• Loss of appetite or poor feeding
• Nausea/vomiting/upset stomach

Walking Pneumonia is a type of pneumonia most often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. It is spread through respiratory secretions and transmission occurs through close contact. It is called walking pneumonia because it is often less severe of an illness than other types of pneumonia. It can mimic symptoms of the common cold however, if a cough is lingering for 7-10 days the child should be evaluated by their doctor. Walking pneumonia symptoms usually depend on where the infection is concentrated. A child whose infection is in the top or middle part of the lungs will often have more respiratory symptoms. Another whose infection is in the lower part of the lungs (near the belly) may have no breathing problems, but may have an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting. Walking pneumonia can be diagnosed on exam however, your child may need a chest x-ray. Antibiotics are effective at treating the bacteria that causes walking pneumonia however, the cough may linger 4-6 weeks after treatment.