Is Walking Pneumonia Contagious?

What is Walking Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a disease of the lungs caused by a variety of pathogens, and therefore varies in its symptoms. It causes the the air absorption sacks of the lung to swell or fill with fluid, causing discomfort. Walking pneumonia is nothing but a particularly less severe type of pneumonia. It is so called because even when affected with it, people are healthy enough to 'walk'.

Medically, it is known as 'mycoplasma pneumonia' and is caused by a bacteria called mycoplasma pneumoniae, that belongs to the type 'Mollicutes'. These bacteria lack certain fundamental mechanisms for survival on the cellular level, and hence must depend on the host cell of another organism for survival. Therefore, it is an obligate parasite that cannot exist or survive on its own outside a host cell for long.

What are the Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia?

The symptoms of walking pneumonia are common with influenza. The bacteria infects the lungs, causing walking pneumonia. The symptoms of walking pneumonia are a sore throat, and a headache coupled with chills. Some people may feel nausea along with chest pain. In some cases, it may also cause a rash, along with pain, in the ear. It may lead to lumps in the neck as well as a rapid respiration rate. Individuals suffering from any of these symptoms should consult a medical professional immediately.

Is Walking Pneumonia Contagious?

Yes, walking pneumonia is indeed contagious. The mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria can be transmitted through airborne water droplets. The bacteria thrives in the respiratory system of the host. They can therefore be transmitted easily through the sneezing or coughing of an infected person. It is advisable to stay away from infected victims who have not undergone treatment yet. The virus stays in the body for a lot more time even if it is not active. Therefore, it is advisable to stay away from affected people for a while, unless they are taking antibiotics.

How to Prevent Walking Pneumonia Contagion?

To prevent contagion of walking pneumonia, affected people are advised to cover their mouth and nose with clinical masks, or stay at home mostly. This disease causes a lot of fluid and phlegm accumulation in the lungs, which should be spit out, if possible.

What is the Treatment for Walking Pneumonia?

Like all bacteria caused diseases, walking pneumonia is treated by specific antibiotics. As walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia, it can generally be taken care of by the body, on its own. Drink a lot of hot water, and gargle with salt water as it helps the sore throat ease out. Use a good vaporub and apply it on the chest and nose to open up the clogged respiratory pipe. Increase fluid intake as it helps one recover faster. Still, it takes a lot of time to recover and increases the risk of infection to a lot more people, including your family.

A visit to the doctor to get a prescription for antibiotics is the best course of action. These antibiotic drugs provide relief quite rapidly and help one recover faster. Walking pneumonia, though infectious, can be effectively contained with just a little care. Proper and timely medication will not only provide relief to those infected, but will also go a long way in helping to curb the spread of this highly contagious infection.