Walking pneumonia is a very common bacterial illness that often goes undiagnosed. Many people may hear the term “pneumonia” and think of a severe and potentially life-threatening illness that would cause hospitalization. However, some people with walking pneumonia might not even realize they have it.
While the lung infection that is pneumonia causes severe symptoms, atypical or walking pneumonia causes minor cold-like symptoms, such as a persistent cough that just won’t go away. Knowing the signs of walking pneumonia can help you find much needed relief from your ongoing symptoms. Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Waltham for treatment, with no appointment necessary.
What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?
In most cases, symptoms from walking pneumonia are pretty mild. In fact, most people experience so few symptoms that they don’t ever get the illness properly diagnosed. Typically, people with walking pneumonia start off having symptoms very similar to a common cold or viral upper respiratory tract infection.
The common symptoms of walking pneumonia include:
- Cough
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
Then, after a few days to a week, symptoms can worsen. This includes a worsening cough, body chills, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you’re experiencing any of these mild to moderate symptoms, come visit us at AFC Waltham. We understand how a persistent cough can seriously disrupt your daily routine and overall health. Our walk-in clinic can examine your symptoms and determine the right path to treatment.
What causes walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection, which usually causes upper respiratory illness symptoms. The bacteria that causes this infection is most active during the late fall and winter months. Walking pneumonia spreads through sneezes or coughs, so anyone can be infected. If you are diagnosed, you could be contagious for up to ten days. Walking pneumonia spreads slower than other viral illnesses, like the common cold and influenza. It would take a lot of close contact with an infected person for someone to catch walking pneumonia.
When to get a persistent cough checked
If you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms, specifically a lingering cough, you may need to seek medical attention. It can be hard to determine whether or not you need treatment because walking pneumonia often doesn’t cause severe symptoms that make you sick enough to stay in bed all day. But if any of the symptoms are not common for you, and getting worse after 3-5 days,, consider getting your illness diagnosed. A proper diagnosis is important to getting symptom relief, especially with walking pneumonia as it can feel so similar to a cold.
For an accurate diagnosis, visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham. Our medical providers can perform a physical exam, and a potential chest x-ray, to determine if you have walking pneumonia. Prescribed antibiotics can help alleviate symptoms and treat the infection
Contact AFC Urgent Care Waltham for Illness Treatment
When you’re feeling unwell, AFC Urgent Care Waltham is there. With our labs on-site, we can diagnose your general illness accurately and efficiently. The clinic is open every day of the week, making weekend treatment accessible when you need it. Don’t leave your health up to chance and let your symptoms get the best of you this winter. Visit our urgent care center with no appointment necessary. If you have additional questions about walking pneumonia, or other urgent care services we provide, please call us at (781) 894-6900.
