An estimated two million people get walking pneumonia every year, but that number could be tenfold this season, according to a health alert issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With the holidays coming up, many of us are worried about another potential COVID and/or Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreak. However, new data from the CDC reveals that mycoplasma pneumonia is just as big a threat, with infections steadily increasing over the last six months.
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In October, the CDC said it was “closely tracking” surging levels of mycoplasma pneumonia across the U.S. The respiratory infection, which can spiral into different illnesses, started to re-emerge globally in 2023 after lying dormant during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year, the CDC has recorded an increase in pneumonia-associated emergency room visits.
It’s important to distinguish mycoplasma pneumonia from walking pneumonia because one is not as severe as the other. Mycoplasma pneumonia attacks the throat, windpipe, and lungs, and can lead to respiratory tract infections, says the CDC. With this sickness, symptoms can include fever, cough, and a sore throat. However, it can turn into a mild lung infection called atypical pneumonia or “walking pneumonia.”
While less serious, walking pneumonia can be just as scary because although you might feel well enough to carry on as usual, your lungs are filled with mucus and other fluids—and you’re potentially spreading it to everyone around you.
Common walking pneumonia symptoms to look out for include a sore throat, extreme fatigue, chest pain or discomfort, a low-grade fever, chills, coughing, sneezing, and headache, according to Cleveland Clinic. Of these, a cough is the most persistent.
The good news is that walking pneumonia is considered a “milder” sickness and rarely requires bed rest or hospitalization. That said, you should definitely listen to your body and take care of yourself, even if that means canceling plans to stay home and rest.
“The symptoms can linger even if they don’t get worse,” Chris Edens, lead of the CDC team that tracks Legionella and atypical pathogens, told the Wall Street Journal. “It can take a little longer to clear than some other respiratory illnesses.”
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Walking pneumonia can affect anyone, but especially the elderly and those who are immunocompromised, have asthma or emphysema, or use tobacco products. It’s also extremely contagious.
“When someone who has walking pneumonia coughs, sneezes, talks, sings or breathes near you, tiny droplets containing the disease enter the air. The illness spreads if you inhale those droplets,” explains Cleveland Clinic.
Walking pneumonia has an incubation period of two to four weeks. Someone with symptoms is contagious until they clear up.
Warm fluids like teas, using a humidifier, and taking hot showers can help with symptoms. If your case of walking pneumonia is a bacterial infection, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics. However, if it’s due to a viral infection, natural remedies will help most. You can also ask your provider about over-the-counter (OTC) medications to alleviate chest and nasal congestion.
