Learn how long walking pneumonia lasts without treatment. Visit urgent care near you for same-day diagnosis and care.

As Farragut, TN, welcomes colder days, respiratory illnesses like walking pneumonia may take hold. Whether you’re visiting Anchor Park or exploring Campbell Station Inn Museum, it’s important to know how long untreated walking pneumonia can linger and when to seek medical attention.

Visit AFC Farragut today.

What Is Walking Pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a milder form of pneumonia that often doesn’t require hospitalization. Unlike typical pneumonia, which may have a sudden and severe onset, walking pneumonia develops gradually. It’s commonly caused by bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, but viruses and other bacteria can also contribute.

Symptoms of walking pneumonia include:

• Persistent dry cough
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue
• Mild chest pain or discomfort
• Sore throat
• Headache

These symptoms can make you feel under the weather but often aren’t severe enough to force you to rest completely, hence the term “walking pneumonia.”

How Long Can Walking Pneumonia Last Without Treatment?

The duration of walking pneumonia without treatment varies depending on factors such as the individual’s age, overall health, and the underlying cause of the illness. On average:

• Mild cases can linger for 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms might improve slowly but persist, leaving you feeling fatigued and rundown.
• Moderate to severe cases can last 6 weeks or longer if untreated. The persistent cough, fatigue, and chest discomfort can interfere with daily life and increase the risk of complications.

Without treatment, walking pneumonia may worsen over time. The infection could spread to other parts of the body or develop into full-blown pneumonia, which is more serious and may require hospitalization.

What Are the Risks of Leaving Walking Pneumonia Untreated?

While walking pneumonia is considered mild compared to regular pneumonia, leaving it untreated can have serious consequences, including:

• Progression to Severe Pneumonia: Untreated walking pneumonia may worsen, leading to more significant lung inflammation and symptoms like high fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
• Prolonged Recovery Time: Without medical intervention, the recovery process can take much longer, potentially disrupting your work, school, or daily activities for weeks.
• Weakened Immune System: A prolonged infection can strain your immune system, making you more susceptible to other illnesses.
• Complications in High-Risk Individuals: Those with pre-existing health conditions, young children, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications like respiratory failure or bacterial superinfection.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

It’s essential to know when walking pneumonia symptoms warrant a visit to the doctor. Seek medical care if you experience:

• Symptoms lasting longer than a week without improvement
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• High fever or chills
• Severe chest pain, especially when coughing or breathing deeply
• Cough producing discolored mucus or blood

Visiting your local urgent care in Farragut, TN, can help ensure a timely diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back on your feet.

How Is Walking Pneumonia Treated?

Treatment for walking pneumonia often depends on the underlying cause. At AFC Urgent Care Farragut, we provide personalized care, which may include:

• Antibiotics: If the pneumonia is bacterial, antibiotics can help clear the infection within a week or two.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and discomfort. Cough suppressants may also be recommended.
• Rest and Hydration: Taking it easy and staying hydrated are crucial to recovery.

For severe symptoms or individuals at higher risk of complications, additional treatments may be necessary, including supplemental oxygen or hospitalization in rare cases.

How Can You Prevent Walking Pneumonia?

Prevention is key to avoiding the prolonged discomfort of walking pneumonia. Follow these tips to stay healthy this season:

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
• Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals: Respiratory infections can spread through droplets, so maintain a safe distance if someone is ill.
• Get Vaccinated: Annual flu vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines can lower your risk of respiratory infections.
• Boost Your Immune System: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep.

Walking pneumonia can last for weeks without treatment, disrupting your daily life and potentially leading to serious complications. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t wait to seek care. At AFC Urgent Care Farragut, our experienced medical team is here to provide the care you need to recover quickly and fully. Stop by today—no appointment necessary—and let us help you stay healthy this winter.