Feeling under the weather today but still trying to push through your plans? Whether you’re visiting family, enjoying a date at I Heart Sushi, or tackling chores, it’s important to keep your health in mind. Respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia, become more common during winter in Oak Ridge and nearby areas. This blog takes a closer look at walking pneumonia, how it compares to standard pneumonia, and when a visit to AFC Urgent Care Oak Ridge can help you get back on track.

Visit AFC Oak Ridge today.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that inflames the air sacs, often filling them with fluid or mucus. It’s caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and typically results in symptoms like coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. While mild cases exist, pneumonia can become life-threatening for groups like children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune defenses. Walking pneumonia, a milder variation, usually allows individuals to continue daily activities, but it still requires proper care to ensure it doesn’t progress.

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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge

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 Oak Ridge our experienced, board-certified providers are here to offer same-day care for walking pneumonia and other respiratory issues. With on-site X-ray imaging and lab testing, we ensure an accurate diagnosis and deliver personalized treatment plans to help you feel better fast.

Don’t let walking pneumonia slow you down this winter. Stop by our Oak Ridge clinic for prompt, high-quality care—no appointment needed! Protect your health and keep your loved ones safe from seasonal illnesses.