How concerning is walking pneumonia?

With an uptick in cases of walking pneumonia among children ages 2 to 4, public health departments are issuing health alerts. The purpose of the alerts are to raise awareness of the increase in cases among school-aged children, encourage health care providers to test for the infection when appropriate and to remind everyone of the importance of proper hand hygiene.

Walking pneumonia is transmitted through respiratory droplets spread primarily by coughs and sneezes. Those infected typically feel well enough to continue most normal daily activities, but symptoms tend to mimic the common cold and can include a cough, sore throat, headache and low-grade fever. Young children may also experience watery eyes, diarrhea and vomiting as a result of the infection.

“Cases in children have risen to somewhere between 10% and 20%. Normally we see a positivity rate between 2% and 5%,” says Dr. Michael TeKippe, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “The increase began earlier this year in the spring, very likely due to the waning immunity from the COVID pandemic.”

If you believe your child has walking pneumonia, Dr. TeKippe recommends keeping them home from school or daycare and caring for them as you would if they had the common cold.

“Contact your child’s pediatrician if they are sick for longer than five days. They will help determine if treatment is needed,” he says. “Fortunately, most children will recover with fluids and care at home, but in some cases, antibiotics are required to speed up recovery.”

Dr. TeKippe says the best protection against walking pneumonia includes handwashing, staying home if you are sick and avoiding those who are ill.

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