Walking pneumonia – it may sound a bit strange, but it’s a real illness that affects kids as well as adults. While it’s not as serious as full-blown pneumonia, it’s still something you should be aware of when it comes to the health of your child.
This condition can be mistaken for a cold or flu, as kids get many sniffles and coughs and it can be difficult to sort out the difference. However, here are 12 things to know about walking pneumonia and how you can deal with it…
1. Defining Walking Pneumonia
KidsHealth.org explains that walking pneumonia – also known as atypical pneumonia or mycoplasma pneumonia – is a lesser form of pneumonia, which is a potentially serious lung infection.
It’s called mycoplasma pneumonia because it’s caused by mycoplasma bacteria, which causes “cold-like symptoms, a low-grade fever, and a hacking cough,” notes the source. However, most often kid with this form of pneumonia aren’t confined to bed, giving it the “walking” nickname.