How Can You Have Pneumonia and Not Know It

"Walking pneumonia" is a not-medical term for a mild case of pneumonia. Technically, it'due south chosen atypical pneumonia and is acquired by bacteria or viruses; frequently a common bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumonia. Bed rest or hospitalization are usually not needed, and symptoms can be mild enough that you tin can continue about your daily activities, hence the term "walking."

But don't be fooled. Walking pneumonia can nevertheless make you miserable, with coughing, fever, chest hurting, balmy chills, headache, etc. It feels more akin to a bad cold, and despite what the term "walking" implies, taking care of yourself is the best path to recovery.

"If you take the symptoms listed higher up, even if mild, yous should see a doc as soon as possible," says Dr. Albert Rizzo, senior medical advisor to the American Lung Clan. Rizzo notes that walking pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics if your doctor believes bacteria to exist the cause. Over-the-counter medications can too exist used to relieve symptoms, such as antihistamines for nasal congestion or cough medications to help ease the cough and loosen whatsoever mucus (sputum). "In addition, information technology's important to go plenty of residue, drinkable enough of fluids and take fever-reducing medicine if y'all accept a fever," he adds.

Most people outset to feel better within three to five days, just a coughing from pneumonia can last weeks or months subsequently treatment. "Recovery time will vary from person to person and will depend on whether you accept other medical problems, such as asthma or COPD," says Rizzo. "Likewise irksome of a pace of recovery and certainly whatever worsening of symptoms is information y'all should share with your dr.."

Simply like typical pneumonia, walking pneumonia spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To reduce your take a chance of infection, follow these tips and acquire more than about fugitive pneumonia:

• Get a flu vaccine each twelvemonth to help foreclose getting pneumonia caused by the influenza.
• Talk to your doctor virtually getting a pneumonia vaccine (there is no vaccine for viral or mycoplasma pneumonia, simply certain individuals should get vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia).
• Exercise, consume a well-balanced diet and go adequate slumber.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
• Don't smoke.
• Cover your mouth when y'all cough or sneeze and encourage others to equally well to aid prevent spread of these infections.

Larn more than: 5 questions about pneumonia to ask your doctor.

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Source: https://www.lung.org/blog/what-is-walking-pneumonia

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