Are you feeling a bit off today but trying to push through your packed agenda—family plans, a date at Ye Olde Steak House, and household chores? Winter often brings more respiratory illnesses in Knoxville and surrounding areas, making knowledge about conditions like pneumonia even more important. This blog explains walking pneumonia, how it’s different from traditional pneumonia, and when AFC Urgent Care Chapman Hwy can help.

Visit AFC Chapman Hwy today.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that leads to inflammation in the air sacs. These sacs can fill with fluid or mucus, resulting in coughing, fever, and trouble breathing. The severity of pneumonia ranges from mild to life-threatening, especially for young children, older adults, or those with weak immune systems. Walking pneumonia, or atypical pneumonia, is a less severe form that doesn’t usually require bed rest or hospitalization. While milder, it can still cause discomfort and potentially worsen if not treated.

Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia vs. Regular Pneumonia

Both forms of pneumonia share similar symptoms but vary significantly in severity.

Common Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia:

• Persistent dry cough
• Mild chest congestion
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Headache and body aches

Symptoms of Regular Pneumonia:

• High fever with chills
• Severe chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Productive cough with yellow or green mucus
• Profound fatigue

While walking pneumonia symptoms are often mild and gradual, regular pneumonia symptoms tend to appear suddenly and are more intense.

If you believe you’re experiencing these symptoms, visit AFC Chapman Hwy today.

Key Differences

Severity:

Walking pneumonia is mild, allowing individuals to remain active, whereas regular pneumonia can be debilitating, often requiring bed rest or even hospitalization.

Onset of Symptoms:

Walking pneumonia symptoms develop gradually over several days to weeks, while regular pneumonia symptoms typically emerge rapidly.

Duration of Illness:

Walking pneumonia can linger for four to six weeks without proper treatment, whereas regular pneumonia often resolves more quickly with prompt medical care.

Causes:

Walking pneumonia is most commonly caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a type of bacteria, but it can also be triggered by viruses. Regular pneumonia may result from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, depending on the individual’s health and exposure risks.

Treatment Options for Walking Pneumonia

The treatment for walking pneumonia depends on its cause.

Bacterial Causes: Antibiotics are prescribed to clear the infection, often resolving symptoms within a week or two.

Viral Causes: Since viruses don’t respond to antibiotics, over-the-counter medications, rest, and hydration are used to manage symptoms while the illness runs its course.

For either case, our clinic may recommend the following:

• Pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever and discomfort.
• Cough suppressants, if coughing interferes with sleep or daily activities.
• Increased fluid intake and rest to support recovery.

Without treatment, walking pneumonia may persist for weeks, increasing the risk of spreading the infection to others and developing complications like severe pneumonia.

Prevention Tips

Preventing walking pneumonia starts with good hygiene and proactive health measures:

• Get Vaccinated: Annual flu shots can help prevent viral infections that may lead to pneumonia.
• Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially during cold and flu season.
• Avoid Sick Contacts: Limit exposure to individuals showing signs of respiratory illness.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep to strengthen your immune system.

When to Visit AFC Chapman Hwy

While walking pneumonia is less severe than regular pneumonia, it still requires medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. You should seek care if you experience any of the following:

• Symptoms that persist for more than a few days without improvement.
• Difficulty breathing or severe chest pain.
• A persistent or worsening cough, especially with discolored mucus.
• High fever or chills.

When you need same-day care for walking pneumonia or other respiratory concerns, look no further than our Chapman Hwy clinic. Our skilled providers use on-site X-rays and lab testing to diagnose your condition and provide the personalized treatment you need to recover quickly.

If walking pneumonia has you feeling off, AFC Chapman Hwy is here to help. Drop by today for expert care with no appointment needed. Stay proactive about your health this winter and keep seasonal illnesses at bay for you and your loved ones.