Understanding Walking Pneumonia

What is walking pneumonia?

“Walking pneumonia” is an informal term for a common, mild form of pneumonia. The infection results in cold-like symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, sore throat, fever and fatigue. 

While pneumonia often requires bed rest and even hospitalization, people with the milder walking pneumonia often feel well enough to continue their routines. They are able to keep walking around, giving the illness its colloquial name. 

While walking pneumonia is normally mild, it can sometimes escalate into regular pneumonia or cause other complications. It’s important to know what to expect and when to talk to a healthcare provider about your symptoms. 

How is walking pneumonia different from “typical” pneumonia? 

There are a few key differences between walking pneumonia and more serious forms of pneumonia. These include:

Causes: Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, molds and parasites. A common bacteria that causes walking pneumonia is called Mycoplasma pneumoniae.  

Symptoms: Pneumonia is characterized by a productive cough, a higher fever and generally more severe symptoms. Walking pneumonia is more likely to cause a dry cough, a lower fever and milder symptoms. 

Need for Rest: People who have typical pneumonia are more likely to require bed rest or hospitalization than people with walking pneumonia. 

The proper diagnosis can help you take the best actions to recover quickly. Your local urgent care center is a convenient place to get personalized medical advice. 

Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia 

Walking pneumonia symptoms are typically mild. They may feel similar to but stronger than the common cold. Symptoms of walking pneumonia may include: 

• Cough 

• Chest pain when coughing or taking deep breaths 

• Headache 

• Sore throat 

• Fever and chills 

• Tiredness 

• Weakness 

In children under the age of 5, symptoms can differ, and may include: 

• Wheezing 

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea 

In some cases, walking pneumonia can worsen into severe pneumonia or cause certain complications according to the CDC. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your illness. 

What causes walking pneumonia?

The most common cause of walking pneumonia is a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. You catch it by breathing in respiratory droplets that enter the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, coughs or speaks. 

Is walking pneumonia contagious? 

Walking pneumonia is contagious from the time of exposure until your symptoms resolve. To help prevent spreading walking pneumonia, take precautions like covering your mouth when you sneeze, washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are immunocompromised. 

How long does walking pneumonia last? 

Once exposed to walking pneumonia, it usually takes 2-4 weeks until symptoms appear. Symptoms may last between 4 to 6 weeks, although your cough may linger for longer. 

How is walking pneumonia diagnosed? 

To determine whether you have walking pneumonia, your healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. This may include using a stethoscope to listen to your lungs. If your provider suspects walking pneumonia, they will likely order a chest x-ray to visualize the lungs. If your health exam is at a WellNow Urgent Care Center, you’ll be able to get your x-ray done with our on-site x-ray diagnostic services. 

Less commonly, your provider may suggest a blood test or mucus sample to check which bacteria or pathogen is causing your infection. 

Treating Walking Pneumonia

The immune system is usually able to fight walking pneumonia on its own, without the need for medical intervention. Self-care can help speed your recovery, and certain over-the-counter medications can relieve symptoms. In more severe or persistent cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.  

Treatment for walking pneumonia can involve: 

Self-Care: Drink lots of water and warm fluids to help loosen your sputum. Get adequate rest and avoid smoke and other respiratory irritants. Try using an air humidifier or taking warm baths to soothe your respiratory symptoms. 

Symptom Relief: Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help relieve walking pneumonia symptoms like fever, congestion and aches and pains. Be sure to read the labels of all your medications before use. Avoid taking too much of any one ingredient (for example, many different types of medications contain painkillers). If your cough is productive, also avoid taking medications that contain cough suppressants. 

Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about your over-the-counter medications. Our virtual care service can connect you with an online healthcare provider within minutes, so you can get the answers you need easily. 

Antibiotics: Most cases of walking pneumonia clear up on their own, without the need for medication. In more serious cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight bacteria-caused walking pneumonia. 

When should I talk to a medical provider?

It’s generally helpful to visit a medical provider if you have symptoms of walking pneumonia. Your provider can rule out other illnesses, advise on which over-the-counter medications are best for you, and prescribe antibiotics if they are needed. 

By considering your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history, your provider can help create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. As time progresses, they can also help monitor your symptoms and respond to any changes, reducing the chances of complications. 

Any time you need non-emergency medical advice, WellNow Urgent Care is here for you. With a large network of urgent care centers, on-site diagnostic tests and virtual care options, we make it easy to get the care you deserve. Find the medical services you need with WellNow Urgent Care.

WellNow Urgent Care is a series of urgent care clinics and virtual care serving the Midwest and Northeastern United States in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania.

Information contained in this blog is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to apply to any specific individual's medical condition. Always refer to the personalized information given to you by your doctor or contact us directly.