Walking Pneumonia vs. Pneumonia in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Pneumonia can vary in severity, from mild cases, like walking pneumonia, to more intense, full-blown pneumonia. With respiratory illness among children on the rise throughout the U.S., it’s important for parents to know the difference between the two, so they can recognize symptoms, seek appropriate care, and support their child’s recovery.
What’s pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus, resulting in inflammation. Some common symptoms include coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, and chills. Kids can get pneumonia through viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
What’s walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a milder form of pneumonia that’s often caused by bacteria. It’s most common in children ages 5 to 15. It’s called “walking” pneumonia because, despite the infection, children are usually still able to walk around and go about their activities.
Key Differences Between Walking Pneumonia and Pneumonia in Children
Symptom severity: Walking pneumonia symptoms are usually mild and may resemble a common cold. Pneumonia symptoms are more intense and include a high fever, cough, chest pain, rapid breathing, and, in some cases, low oxygen levels.
Treatment: Walking pneumonia can often be managed at home with rest, hydration, and possibly antibiotics, if bacterial, with symptoms resolving in a few weeks. Pneumonia may require more treatment, like stronger antibiotics and hospitalization.
Contagiousness: Walking pneumonia is only mildly contagious and spreads slowly, often in closed settings like schools. Viral pneumonia is highly contagious, while bacterial types are less so, but can still spread through coughing, sneezing, or speaking.
For both kinds of pneumonia, make sure your child gets plenty of rest, stays hydrated, and avoids strenuous activities until fully recovered. With the right treatment, most kids make a full recovery.
If your child is experiencing pneumonia or walking pneumonia symptoms, make an appointment at one of our UHealth Jackson Urgent Care locations by visiting JacksonUrgentCare.com.