As winter approaches, respiratory illnesses become more prevalent in Hixson and surrounding areas. Whether you’re out enjoying seasonal activities or navigating everyday life, understanding illnesses like pneumonia is essential for staying healthy. This blog explores walking pneumonia, how it differs from regular pneumonia, and when to seek care at AFC Urgent Care Hixson to ensure a swift recovery.

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What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or mold. The condition inflames the air sacs in the lungs, which may fill with fluid or mucus, leading to symptoms like coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia ranges from mild to severe and can become life-threatening if untreated, especially for high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a milder version of pneumonia that typically doesn’t require hospitalization or bed rest. This milder form often allows individuals to continue with daily activities despite symptoms. However, walking pneumonia should not be underestimated, as it can still cause discomfort and progress to more severe illness if left untreated.

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.

Key Differences Between Walking Pneumonia and Regular Pneumonia

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 Hixson

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.

At AFC Urgent Care Hixson, our board-certified medical providers offer same-day evaluations and treatments for walking pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. Using on-site X-ray imaging and lab testing, we can accurately diagnose your condition and provide appropriate care tailored to your needs.

Don’t let walking pneumonia disrupt your health this winter. Visit AFC Urgent Care Hixson today for quality care—no appointment necessary! Stay ahead of seasonal illnesses and keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.