Medical University of South Carolina doctors are noting an increase in walking pneumonia cases.
Walking pneumonia is a mild lung infection that develops gradually, presenting cold-like symptoms while still enabling individuals to carry on with their daily routines, even though they may feel unwell.
Dr. Ian Kane, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, noted that the rate of positive tests has risen from the typical 1% to 5% in recent months.
“We see typically about one percent of our tests come back positive for mycoplasma pneumonia, which causes walking pneumonia. That’s been typical over the last couple of years. But then over the last couple of months, we’ve seen cases rise to about five percent of those tests. So, it’s almost a fivefold increase,” he said.
While certain individuals may heal on their own, children, young adults, and those with compromised immune systems could face more intense symptoms such as elevated fever, breathing challenges, and a lasting cough. The illness spreads quickly, despite having a shorter incubation period.
Dr. Kane suggests that one reason for the increase in cases may be the reduced exposure to mycoplasma during the COVID-19 pandemic, which hindered immunity development in children.
“We are well-equipped to deal with any of the complications that you can see from this. So, for the most part, this is something that you can manage at home- but as I mentioned, certain kids will get more seriously affected. Here, when they come, we can get an x-ray if we need to, we’ll listen to your lungs, we’ll monitor your oxygen, and there are antibiotics out there that are very effective against treating mycoplasma,” he said.
Dr. Kane explained that walking pneumonia is triggered by a tiny bacteria that develops gradually. “It usually leads to milder symptoms, which is why the phrase ‘walking pneumonia’ was created; you may feel unwell, but you can still manage your daily routine.”
During holiday gatherings, there is a chance for illness to spread. Doctors explain that the signs won’t show up right away, as the bacteria develop slowly and target the cells in the respiratory tract.
Recovery requires sufficient rest, staying hydrated, and addressing symptoms effectively. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms are advised to obtain medical assistance.