On days when you’re feeling off but still have a packed schedule—like visiting loved ones, heading to Outback Steakhouse, or catching up on chores—it’s essential to prioritize your health. Winter brings an uptick in respiratory illnesses in Statesville, and understanding pneumonia can make all the difference. Let’s explore walking pneumonia, how it differs from standard pneumonia, and when to visit AFC Urgent Care Statesville to stay healthy.

Visit AFC Statesville today.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to inflamed air sacs in the lungs. This inflammation often causes fluid or mucus buildup, which can result in coughing, fever, and breathing difficulties. While pneumonia can be mild, it can also be severe or even fatal for certain groups, including young children, the elderly, and people with weaker immune systems. Walking pneumonia, a less severe form, typically doesn’t stop people from staying active, but prompt care is still recommended to prevent progression.

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 Statesville 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 Statesville

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 Statesville, we specialize in diagnosing and treating walking pneumonia and other respiratory conditions with same-day service. Thanks to our on-site X-ray imaging and lab testing, you’ll receive precise care tailored specifically to your health concerns.

Take control of your health this winter with a visit to our Statesville clinic. We offer walk-in care for walking pneumonia and other illnesses, so you can feel better fast. No appointment is required—just come by when you need us!