Facts About Walking Pneumonia

To introduce you to this condition known as walking pneumonia, it gets its name due to its nature. Meaning, people who are diagnosed with this condition are able to walk, and are not sick enough to require bed rest or hospitalization. In some cases, the patient might not even require a visit to the doctor. The term 'walking pneumonia' isn't an established term in the medical mainstream. It is used to refer to a mild case of pneumonia (infection that causes inflammation of the lungs).

Fact I - The Symptoms
The incubation period of this milder form of pneumonia ranges from 15 - 25 days. Incubation period refers to the time when the person gets the infection till the time the first symptoms show up. The symptoms which may indicate that the condition has set in may include:

• A cough that appears severe, but produces very little sputum. It may also be a completely dry cough, with no sputum.
• The patient might experience flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, but of low-grade intensity.
• A general feeling of being unwell is common, and so may be sore throat.
• Headache may be present, and may be accompanied by runny nose, and earache.

Now, as I have said, these walking pneumonia symptoms may be so mild that the person may not feel the need to visit a doctor. However, for an asthmatic patient, these symptoms could be no less severe than those of the actual pneumonia itself.

Fact II - The Pathology
Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes walking pneumonia. Although, the infection can be caused by several types of bacteria and viruses, this pathogen is the one that is common in most cases. The peak season for this bacteria to attack, as observed by medical experts, is during the fall and winter. The infection caused by this bacterium is more common in people younger than 40.

Fact III - Transmission
Is walking pneumonia contagious? The pathogens that cause this condition are contagious. However, what should be noted is the fact that, once these pathogens make their way from the ailing person to a healthy one, it is most unlikely that they would cause the same infection. Instead, they trigger upper respiratory infections such as cold or flu. But then, this might be an exception with people with compromised immune system. Such people may be attacked by so many pathogens that, their immune system gets overwhelmed eventually, resulting in walking pneumonia. A patient can remain contagious for not more than 10 days.

Fact IV - Treatment
Most often, walking pneumonia does not require treatment, as it is known to be self-resolving. However, in some cases, for people with weakened immune system, antibiotics may be necessary. Within a few days, most people begin to feel better, post the treatment. Apart from medications, it is recommended to increase fluid intake to help the body fight the infection. Coughing is a way the body tries to get rid of unwanted substances. So taking cough medication may affect this process. But if the cough interferes with sleep, then it may be taken in small amounts.

And to conclude, in some cases, people might develop an immunity against walking pneumonia, up to a certain level. However, this might not be permanent, and there is no certainty if the person can contract the infection again. And as far as prevention is concerned, simply follow proper personal hygiene.