Walking pneumonia cases are climbing in children, CDC says. What GA parents should know
It’s flu and RSV season, but those aren’t the only seasonal illnesses to worry about this year.
According to recent data by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), walking pneumonia is on the rise and cases have been steadily spiking since March 2024, with an even more significant increase in October 2024.
However, although the illness has historically not been prevalent in young children, it is this year, with children ages 2-4 contracting it at a rapid rate. In fact, the CDC reported that since March 2024, “the percentage grew from 1.0% to 7.2% among children ages 2–4 years,” while the rate only grew “from 3.6% to 7.4% among children ages 5–17 years in that time frame.”
So, what exactly is walking pneumonia? And how is it being spread and treated in children? Here’s what to know.
What is walking pneumonia?
According to the CDC, walking pneumonia (mycoplasma pneumoniae) is a bacterial infection in the lungs.
Mayo Clinic says symptoms can include:
Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Headache
Runny nose
Ear pain
Chest pain from coughing
Young children (2-5) may also have general discomfort, loss of appetite, fast breathing or wheezing, rash and joint pain.
Walking pneumonia can last for several weeks or even months, but symptoms usually aren’t too severe.
“With walking pneumonia, you may feel like you have a cold. But symptoms are usually mild, so you likely won’t need bed rest or a hospital stay,” Mayo Clinic experts said. “You may not feel the need to stay home from work or school. So you may be out walking around. That’s how the illness got its name.”
How are children getting and spreading the illness?
Simple answer: schools and daycares.
Young children and teenagers are contracting walking pneumonia from being in close proximity with others who have symptoms.
Walking pneumonia is spread through “airborne droplets” from sneezing, coughing or speaking and the illness is highly contagious, even after you have stopped showing symptoms for a while.
So, how is it being treated?
Treatment for walking pneumonia includes seeing a doctor to get tested for the illness and getting antibiotics.
What are some tips for Georgia parents?
Here are tips for for preventing and handling walking pneumonia:
Wash your hands often and make sure your child is practicing good hygiene.
Make sure your child is up to date on all vaccinations.
Prevent illnesses by opening doors and windows with big crowds present or use an air purifier indoors.
If illnesses are picking up in your community, wear a mask and get your child to wear one as much as possible.
Practice distancing from crowds and cut down on travel.
What questions do you have about walking pneumonia? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 10:42 AM with the headline "Walking pneumonia cases are climbing in children, CDC says. What GA parents should know."
