Walking Pneumonia cases are rising among children this year. While kids of all age groups have experienced an increase in pneumonia infections compared to 2023, the sharp rise among young children has gotten the attention from experts. This is because this kind of infection more commonly affects older kids, between ages 5-17. Yet in 2024 the most significant spike in cases has been seen in children between 2-4 years old.
In contrast to pneumonia which causes high fever and severe breathing problems, walking pneumonia is characterized by milder symptoms that often allows infected individuals to engage in daily activities, although they might feel fatigued and experience a persistent cough. The infection will sometimes cause other respiratory tract symptoms like chest pains and shortness of breath within a few days of infection. Treatment for walking pneumonia is commonly antibiotics.
Full Story: The Washington Post, NPR
