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Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the organism that causes walking pneumonia, can be contagious if contact with the infected person is prolonged. Walking pneumonia is transmitted through airborne droplets, which are dispersed when a person talks, sneezes, coughs or laughs.
Mycoplasma infections occur sporadically throughout the year. Widespread community outbreaks may occur at intervals of 4 to 8 years. Mycoplasma infections is most common in the late summer and fall. Mycoplasma is spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of infected people when they cough or sneeze. Transmission is thought to require prolonged close contact with an infected person. Spread in families, schools, and institutions occurs slowly. An infected person is usually contagious for less than 20 days
Pneumonia can also be caused by a cold or flu. This kind of pneumonia is called 'walking pneumonia'. Pneumonia can also send you to bed coughing, with chills and a fever. In some instances, if your immune system is already compromised, pneumonia can be a serious threat to your life.
Mycoplasma pneumonia affects primarily adults below 40 years of age and children. Mycoplasma infections occur year round but are more common in late summer and fall. Mycoplasma pneumonia is infectious and is spread through contact with droplets expelled from the nose and throat of affected people when they sneeze or cough. Generally the transmission of the disease requires a relatively prolonged close contact with an infected person, and most transmissions occur within families. However, every four to eight years, Mycoplasma pneumonia epidemics may occur and involve as many as 50% of all pneumonias.
People at highest risk for mycoplasma pneumonia include those living or working in crowded areas such as schools and homeless shelters, although many people who contract mycoplasma pneumonia have no identifiable risk factor.
Despite the milder nature of walking pneumonia, it often takes six weeks to totally recover, even when antibiotics are prescribed. By total recovery, I mean a return to your normal level of energy and physical endurance. Walking pneumonia can be a complication of flu, so one of the important things you can do for your health as well as for the health of those around you is to get a flu shot this year. Now is the time to do this, since the immunity it provides only last about six months. A flu shot gives protection against the most severe forms of influenza that are expected to be common this winter. Unfortunately, it will not protect you from all forms of influenza or from other causes of respiratory tract infections
caused by mycoplasmas, tiny infectious agents that have traits of both bacteria and viruses. Walking pneumonia, as this type of pneumonia is often popularly called, implies a milder pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is caused by mycoplasma, but can also be caused by other atypical bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Each of these infectious agents also have the potential to cause a more serious or potentially fatal pneumonia.
Other causes of pneumonia include:
- Fungal infections, such as Pneumocystis cariniipneumonia (PCP) – a fungal infection common in people with AIDS
- Pneumonitis – inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaled chemicals, food, liquids, or foreign objects (can lead to an infectious pneumonia)
The most prominent sign is a cough that comes in violent attacks but produces only a small amount of white mucus. Chills and a fever can be early symptoms and may be followed by nausea and vomiting. Antibiotics (Read about "Antibiotics") may be used to treat mycoplasma pneumonia.
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