Between colds, the flu, and other viruses, lots of kids get sick in the fall. This year it could be due to a lung infection called walking pneumonia that’s becoming more common, especially in young children. It’s also known as mycoplasma pneumonia since it’s often caused by the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae. While usually mild, it can still make kids uncomfortable and cause breathing problems. Here’s what you need to know about this rising health issue.
What is walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is a kind of bacterial infection that affects the lungs. It tends to cause milder symptoms than other forms of pneumonia, so children who have it feel well enough to walk around instead of staying in bed. This is why it’s called “walking pneumonia.”
How common is walking pneumonia in kids?
Each year, about 2 million people get walking pneumonia. Since spring, the infection has been more common than usual in kids ages 2 to 4. In past years, school-age children and teens tended to get it.
Researchers think the spike in cases could be due to a new kind of bacteria or kids’ immune systems not knowing how to fight the infection since they weren’t exposed to it during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What does walking pneumonia look like in kids?
Kids with walking pneumonia may not feel well in general and have signs and symptoms such as:
- Fever or chills
- Long-lasting cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Digestive problems such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite (in older kids) or poor feeding (in infants)
- Pain in the ears, chest, stomach or joints
- Rash
- Watery eyes, sneezing, or a runny or stuffy nose
Keep in mind that not all kids with walking pneumonia have breathing problems. Also, these symptoms can look like a cold or the flu. It’s important to watch how your child is doing, no matter what is causing the illness.
Can walking pneumonia in kids clear on its own?
When walking pneumonia in kids is mild, it may clear up on its own with at-home care such as plenty of fluids and rest. Sometimes children need medicine called an antibiotic to help clear up the infection. The doctor can recommend the right treatment.
Most symptoms of walking pneumonia go away in a week or two, but it can take longer for coughing to stop.
Can walking pneumonia in kids be treated at home?
If your child has mild walking pneumonia, the doctor can recommend ways you can help, such as:
- Serve lots of fluids.
- Give over-the-counter medicine (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to ease fever and pain. Don’t give aspirin to your child or teen as it’s linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Kids with severe symptoms, like trouble breathing, or other health problems may need to be treated in a hospital.
If your child isn’t getting better or has a cough that worsens, see your doctor. Get care right away if your child seems to have any trouble breathing.
Can walking pneumonia be prevented?
Walking pneumonia spreads through droplets from sneezing or coughing. To help prevent the infection, encourage children to wash their hands often and avoid getting too close to sick people.
Kids with walking pneumonia can help avoid spreading it by covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze.
To find out more about walking pneumonia and keeping your child safe, talk with your doctor or visit KidsHealth.org:
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD Date reviewed: November 2024
