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What is walking pneumonia? -

Walking pneumonia is a form of pneumonia that usually leaves you feeling well enough to walk around and even complete daily tasks. Because of this, you may not even realize that you have pneumonia.

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Other names for walking pneumonia -

Walking pneumonia is a common term for what's known as atypical pneumonia. 

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How is walking pneumonia different from standard pneumonia? -

Regular pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes airways to swell, the air sacs in your lungs to fill with mucus and other fluids, a high fever, and a cough with mucus. Walking pneumonia is usually milder and doesn't require bed rest or hospitalization.

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Who is affected? -

While anyone can get walking pneumonia, you're more susceptible if you are two years old and younger, or 65 and older. Additionally, if you are immunocompromised or take immunosuppressant medications you can be at a greater risk.

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Pre-existing conditions (and more) impact it -

If you have asthma, emphysema, or even live or work in very crowded places like schools, dormitories, or the military, then you may be at a higher risk of contracting walking pneumonia.

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How common is walking pneumonia? -

Walking pneumonia is quite common and the number of cases fluctuates with spikes every three to seven years. It often occurs during the fall and winter seasons, but it's possible at any time.

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What are the preliminary signs of walking pneumonia? -

The first signs that indicate you might have walking pneumonia are a sore throat, fatigue or extreme tiredness, chest pain or discomfort, and/or a low-grade fever.

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More signs -

Additional signs can include mild chills, coughing, sneezing, and a headache.

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What does it feel like to have walking pneumonia? -

When you have walking pneumonia it may feel like you have an awful cold or even the flu. Pay attention to the symptoms and when they begin, as well as their severity. 

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Causes of walking pneumonia -

A few causes of walking pneumonia include bacteria, viruses, and molds (fungi).

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Is it contagious? -

Walking pneumonia is definitely contagious. If someone with walking pneumonia coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or even breathes around you, then you're likely to inhale the tiny droplets in the air that carry the disease.

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How long are you contagious? -

With walking pneumonia, you are contagious during the incubation period, or two to four weeks before symptoms appear.

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How is walking pneumonia diagnosed? -

A doctor or healthcare provider will do a physical examination and listen to the sound of your heart, lungs, arteries, and abdomen. 

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More information -

The medical professional may also ask whether any friends, coworkers, family, or others you've come in contact with have been sick or had similar symptoms.

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How do healthcare providers test for walking pneumonia? -

If there is a chance of an infection in your lungs the healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray. Other tests involve taking a mucus sample or conducting blood tests to determine the cause of the walking pneumonia.

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How is walking pneumonia treated? -

The cause of walking pneumonia will determine what treatment is applicable. For example, a doctor might prescribe Macrolife antibiotics such as azithromycin and clarithromycin for children or adults.

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How is walking pneumonia treated? -

For adults only, providers might prescribe fluoroquinolones like Cipro and Levaquin. It's essential to seek out professional medical advice before beginning any course of treatment.

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Tips -

If you are prescribed antibiotics make sure you finish all of them. If you don't, you risk the walking pneumonia coming back and being even more challenging to treat.

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Will walking pneumonia go away without antibiotics? -

Sometimes walking pneumonia will go away on its own but it may take longer. If you have any worries about medications, talk to a doctor.

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If left untreated, what will happen? -

While walking pneumonia symptoms are usually mild and will go away on their own, it's best to consult a healthcare provider to help determine which treatment (if any) is appropriate.

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How long does walking pneumonia last? -

Walking pneumonia can last four to six weeks and the cough is typically the symptom that lasts the longest.

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How can you prevent walking pneumonia? -

There are no vaccines currently available that prevent walking pneumonia. However, there are some tips to help you prevent contracting it. Be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you need to cough or sneeze.

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More prevention tips -

Another tip is to regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If you're not around soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs.

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What can you expect if you catch walking pneumonia? -

If you do end up getting walking pneumonia the outlook is usually good. Though some symptoms can last for weeks or months, usually, with rest and antibiotics, it goes away quickly.

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When should you see a doctor or healthcare professional? -

If you have symptoms for a few days then consider seeking out a doctor's opinion. After you see the doctor, keep them advised of your progress (or lack thereof) as they may prescribe other medications if applicable.

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What questions should you ask a doctor? -

Some questions that you can (and should) ask your doctor include, "How did I get walking pneumonia," "How should I store my antibiotics," and "Do I need a followup appointment?"

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More questions to ask a doctor -

Other questions might include, "How do you know I have walking pneumonia," "What other condition might I have if it's not walking pneumonia," or "What treatment do you suggest?"

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FAQ: what is the difference between walking pneumonia and COVID-19? -

While COVID-19 is also a respiratory illness and spreads in a similar way as walking pneumonia, it may have more symptoms. Those symptoms can include loss of taste or smell, body aches, nausea, and even vomiting.

Sources: (CNN Health) (Clevland Clinic)

See also: Norovirus: the "winter vomiting bug" that's contagious

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