Walking pneumonia: What does it mean?

What is "walking pneumonia"? How is it different from regular pneumonia?

- Kathy / New York

Answer

The term "walking pneumonia" is often used to describe pneumonia that isn't severe enough to require bed rest or hospitalization. Walking pneumonia is often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, microscopic organisms related to bacteria. Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia are often milder and appear more gradually than those of other types of pneumonia. When needed, treatment is with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia also can be very mild and may be referred to as walking pneumonia.

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