Spotting Walking Pneumonia: A Parent’s Guide to This Under-the-Radar Illness

Right around the time the leaves begin to turn and a nip enters the air is when little noses start running, tiny coughs become a persistent sound track, and the calls from daycare start to ramp up. In other words, most parents of little ones are no strangers to the usual suite of sickies that dominate the cooler months. 

But lately healthcare providers across the country have noticed another illness has “entered the chat.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has clocked a concerning rise in cases of walking pneumonia, particularly in children, with a surprising uptick among the 2- to 4-year-old set—a younger age group than is typically affected.

This milder form of pneumonia can sometimes go under the radar, with symptoms that may appear similar to a common cold. Yet, it’s important for parents to know how to identify and address this condition to help little ones get back on their feet. To help, we’ll walk you through everything parents need to know about walking pneumonia in children—from what it is to how it spreads, how long it lasts, and when it’s time to call the doctor. 

What is walking pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia is a type of pneumonia, an infection in the lungs, that tends to be milder than typical pneumonia. The bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the main culprit behind this illness. It leads to a gradual onset of respiratory symptoms that tend to stick around longer than the common cold, and can affect people of all ages, though it’s particularly common in school-aged children.

Unlike the severe symptoms associated with pneumonia (like high fever and significant shortness of breath), walking pneumonia’s symptoms are low-grade symptoms, which allows those affected to “walk around” without feeling terribly sick.

Is walking pneumonia contagious?

Yes, walking pneumonia is contagious. Although it is not as contagious as some other respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, it can still spread relatively easily in close quarters.

Walking pneumonia spreads like other respiratory infections—through droplets that are expelled via sneezing, coughing, or talking.  One tricky aspect of walking pneumonia is that its mild symptoms can sometimes lead to delayed diagnosis, meaning kids can spread the illness before it’s detected. This is especially problematic in places where kids spend lots of time close to one another, like among family members, at school, or in daycare.

What are symptoms of walking pneumonia?

The symptoms of walking pneumonia can be subtle and develop gradually over one to three weeks. For many, symptoms of walking pneumonia will copycat a prolonged cold or mild flu. But children don’t always have classic chest-cold-like signs.

Symptoms of walking pneumonia in children may include:

• Persistent, dry cough
• Low-grade fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headaches and chills: These are more common in older kids.
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Vomiting
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing
• Diarrhea

How is walking pneumonia diagnosed?

Your child’s healthcare provider may listen to their lungs with a stethoscope for signs of infection. Beyond a physical exam, walking pneumonia might be diagnosed with:

• Chest X-ray: This can help confirm pneumonia by showing areas of infection in the lungs.
• Blood tests: These can identify signs of infection and help rule out other illnesses.
• Throat or nasal swab: Sometimes, a swab test can be used to detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria source.

How long does walking pneumonia last?

One of the defining characteristics of walking pneumonia is just how long it can stretch on. While the fever and more irritating symptoms usually resolve in a week or two, the cough and fatigue can linger for several weeks—even up to a month.

How is walking pneumonia treated?

While walking pneumonia can be uncomfortable, most cases resolve with supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms like fever and sore throat. In some cases, especially for children with more severe symptoms or risk factors, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics.

How can walking pneumonia be prevented?

Here’s how to keep walking pneumonia at bay:

• Scrub those hands: Frequent handwashing is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of many respiratory infections. (Here’s how to teach your tot to wash their hands!)
• Practice good respiratory hygiene: Teaching kids to cover their coughs and sneezes can reduce the spread of germs.
• Limit exposure when possible: If there’s an outbreak in your community or child’s school, keep your distance from sick folks as much as possible! And if your child is feeling under-the-weather, consider keeping them home.

When to Call the Doctor About Walking Pneumonia

Most cases of walking pneumonia in kids are mild and can be managed with supportive care. However, certain red flags should signal you to get your provider on the phone, such as…

• High or prolonged fever: If a fever persists for more than a few days or exceeds 102° Fahrenheit, it’s a good idea to consult a medical professional. (More fever pointers.)
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing is a sign that the infection may be more serious.
• Worsening symptoms: Symptoms that get worse instead of better after a week sometimes indicate complications.
• Persistent cough: If a cough lingers for more than four weeks, or if your child is particularly fatigued or unwell, they may need additional support. 

While walking pneumonia can be uncomfortable and disruptive, most children recover fully with time and TLC. Knowing the symptoms and recognizing when to seek help can make all the difference in getting your tyke healthy again.

More Help Surviving Sickness Season:

• What Parents Need to Know About Whooping Cough
• Mucus Meanings: Decode Your Tot's Snot
• Happiest Baby's Get-Better Guide
• Steer Clear of These Cold Remedies
• Guide to OTC Pain Relievers for Kids

 ***

REFERENCES

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections Have Been Increasing
• The New York Times. Walking Pneumonia Symptoms and Treatment. Published October 29, 2024
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Overview
• National Center for Biotechnology Information. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Causes of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections
• American Academy of Family Physicians. Pneumonia
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical Care for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.