Visit urgent care near you for walking pneumonia. Learn the signs it’s time and how we can help with diagnosis and treatment. Visit today!

Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a mild form of pneumonia that often allows people to continue daily activities despite their symptoms. However, that doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. Knowing when to seek urgent care can make all the difference in preventing complications and speeding up recovery.

Whether you’re shopping at the Arboretum or catching a show at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in South Charlotte, NC, respiratory illnesses can quickly interrupt your routine. Knowing when to visit a doctor for walking pneumonia is vital for prompt and effective treatment. This blog explains the signs that indicate it’s time to seek medical care so you can stay ahead of illness this winter season.

Visit AFC South Charlotte today.

What Is Walking Pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae being the most common bacterial culprit. Unlike regular pneumonia, walking pneumonia symptoms are less severe and develop gradually. Common symptoms include:

• A persistent dry cough
• Mild fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Chest discomfort or mild congestion
• Sore throat and headaches

While these symptoms might not seem alarming, untreated walking pneumonia can worsen or lead to other health problems, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems, asthma, or other chronic conditions.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

It’s easy to dismiss walking pneumonia as a bad cold or mild flu, but there are clear signs that professional medical care is necessary. Visit urgent care if you experience:

Symptoms Persisting Beyond a Few Days

If your cough, fatigue, or fever lasts more than a week without improvement, it’s time to seek medical attention. Prolonged symptoms may indicate a worsening infection that requires treatment.

Difficulty Breathing

Struggling to catch your breath or experiencing wheezing can signal that your lungs are inflamed or that the infection is spreading. This requires prompt evaluation to avoid complications like regular pneumonia.

Severe Fatigue

If fatigue becomes debilitating or interferes with your ability to perform daily tasks, it’s a sign that your body is struggling to fight off the infection.

Fever That Returns or Worsens

A low-grade fever is common with walking pneumonia, but if your fever spikes or returns after subsiding, it may indicate that the infection is progressing.

Underlying Health Conditions

If you have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system, seek care as soon as symptoms of walking pneumonia appear. These conditions can make you more susceptible to complications.

What Can You Expect at Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers are well-equipped to diagnose and treat walking pneumonia promptly, without the need for an appointment. During your visit, you can expect:

• Symptom Evaluation: A medical professional will review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors to determine the likelihood of walking pneumonia.
• Chest X-rays: On-site imaging can confirm the presence of lung inflammation and rule out other potential issues, such as regular pneumonia or bronchitis.
• Lab Tests: A throat swab or blood test may be conducted to identify the cause of your illness and guide treatment.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for walking pneumonia varies depending on whether the infection is bacterial or viral.

• Antibiotics: If the pneumonia is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are the standard treatment and typically improve symptoms within a few days.
• Supportive Care: Viral walking pneumonia cannot be treated with antibiotics, so your doctor may recommend supportive care, including hydration, rest, and over-the-counter medications for fever and discomfort.

Why Choose Urgent Care for Walking Pneumonia?

Urgent care provides the perfect balance of convenience and expertise for treating illnesses like walking pneumonia. Here’s why:

• Quick Diagnosis: With walk-in appointments and on-site testing, you’ll receive a diagnosis and treatment plan quickly.
• Affordable Care: Urgent care visits are often more affordable than emergency room visits, making them a great option for non-life-threatening conditions.
• Expert Care Without the Wait: Avoid the long waits and high costs of the emergency room while still receiving comprehensive medical attention.

Preventing Walking Pneumonia

While you can’t always avoid getting sick, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of walking pneumonia:

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Stay Vaccinated: Annual flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines help protect against respiratory illnesses.
• Strengthen Your Immune System: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep to keep your immune system strong.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking damages your lungs and increases your risk of respiratory infections.

Visit AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte

If you’re experiencing symptoms of walking pneumonia, don’t let the illness linger. At AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte, we provide same-day evaluations, on-site diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment plans to help you recover quickly.

Don’t let respiratory illnesses keep you from enjoying all that South Charlotte has to offer. Visit AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte today—no appointment necessary!