Maybe you’re not feeling your best today, but life doesn’t stop—family plans, a date at St. John’s Restaurant, or errands await. Winter often brings a surge in respiratory illnesses in Hixson, TN and the surrounding region, making it crucial to know more about conditions like pneumonia. In this blog, we’ll discuss walking pneumonia, its differences from typical pneumonia, and when you should consider stopping by AFC Urgent Care Hixson for help.

Visit AFC Hixson today.

What is Pneumonia?

When the lungs become infected by bacteria, viruses, or mold, the resulting condition is pneumonia. This illness inflames the air sacs, often filling them with fluid or mucus, causing coughing, fever, and breathing troubles. Pneumonia’s severity varies, with high-risk groups like children, older adults, and those with compromised immunity facing the greatest danger. Walking pneumonia is a milder version that allows most people to keep going about their lives, but it’s still a condition that requires attention to avoid escalation.

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 Hixson 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 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.

Our team at our Hixson clinic is dedicated to providing same-day evaluations and treatment for walking pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. Equipped with on-site X-rays and lab testing, we’ll pinpoint your condition quickly and provide care that meets your unique needs.

Walking pneumonia shouldn’t derail your health this season. Visit AFC Urgent Care Hixson today for compassionate, same-day care—no need for an appointment. Let us help you stay healthy and protect your family from winter’s respiratory challenges.