Having a cough or feeling fatigued and run down in the wintertime isn’t unusual. Many illnesses circulate during the winter season. However, some illnesses require medical care to heal completely. Walking pneumonia is an illness that affects the upper respiratory system. It is a nickname given to mild cases of pneumonia. While walking pneumonia implies that you can continue with your everyday routine, pneumonia is a serious condition and it is important to monitor your symptoms carefully so you know when to seek medical care.
At AFC Urgent Care Farmington, our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for common conditions including respiratory illness symptoms. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you - we’re open 7 days a week!
Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia
Walking pneumonia shares many symptoms with pneumonia. The underlying cause of both walking pneumonia and pneumonia is the same - a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumonia. Symptoms of walking pneumonia often are ignored, however, delaying care could lead to a more serious infection. Early detection and treatment are key to ensuring a swift recovery.
Symptoms of walking pneumonia include:
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Headache
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
When to Seek Medical Care for Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia
Walking pneumonia symptoms can last up to 4 weeks. However, they tend to be mild enough to treat at home. If your symptoms are severe, or if they worsen over time, you should seek medical care. Severe symptoms could indicate a more severe case of pneumonia, and delaying care can lead to complications. Similarly, a high fever, cough that produces discolored mucus, or trouble breathing all require immediate medical treatment.
Walking Pneumonia Treatment
Early detection is key to effectively treating cases of walking pneumonia. Your medical provider will evaluate your symptoms including how long you’ve had them, any new symptoms, and any relevant medical history. They will also listen to your lungs to check for signs of infection. Based on their evaluation, they may perform diagnostic testing to check for the presence of a bacterial infection. Treatment typically includes a course of antibiotics. Walking pneumonia is contagious, so it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible to avoid spreading your illness to others. After 48 hours on antibiotics, you will not be contagious to others and your symptoms will begin gradually improving.
Walk Into AFC Farmington for Same-Day Care in Farmington, NM
Walking pneumonia is a common bacterial infection. Because of its characteristically mild symptoms, cases of walking pneumonia often are ignored. At AFC Urgent Care Farmington, our walk-in urgent care clinic offers convenient illness symptom diagnosis and treatment. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance, simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for self-paying patients. Walk in today!
