Pediatrician offers tips to prevent 'walking pneumonia'

FLORENCE, Ky. — When children across the commonwealth return back to school in the new year after the holiday break, it's not uncommon for mycoplasma pneumonia cases to rise, said John La Count, pediatrician at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Florence. 

The disease is commonly known as "walking pneumonia." 

“When school is in session, we do seem to have an increase or a bump up in the kids who are having problems with breathing and problems with spreading these things," La Count said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2 million people are infected with “walking pneumonia” every year. Most of those cases are children between the ages of 5 and 17.

Walking pneumonia can cause several symptoms, such as coughing, fever, a sore throat and even a headache. While the infection may be mild, it can lead to more serious complications.

There is no vaccine for the infection, but La Count said he recommends preventative measures such as getting vaccinated against RSV. 

"RSV vaccine was not available until about three or four years ago," he said. "That's an important vaccine that prevents the kids from then getting it, and then you're not spreading it back and forth."

He also emphasized the importance of basic hygiene practices, including hand-washing and wearing a mask if necessary. 

“Wearing a mask does make a difference ... if you're not feeling well, don't come to school or don't come to work," he said. 

Visit the CDC website for more on mycoplasma pneumonia and ways it can be prevented.