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WALKING PNEUMONIA

16th November, 2024

Source: EVERYDAYHEALTH

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Recent weeks, doctors have reported cases of "walking pneumonia," a mild yet persistent lung infection that can mimic symptoms of a common cold.

What Is Walking Pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia (Atypical pneumonia) is a mild lung infection that can feel like a common cold. It is called "walking" pneumonia because people with it can still go about their daily activities.

The bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the main cause of this infection.

Common symptoms include: Cough, Sore throat, Mild fever, Fatigue

Sometimes, people don’t feel sick, but their lungs may show signs of infection in X-rays. This is why it's also called "silent pneumonia."

How Does It Spread?

Walking pneumonia is not as contagious as the flu, but it spreads through tiny droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Risk Areas include Crowded places like schools, offices, and buses are where it spreads easily.

Why Are Cases Increasing?

Doctors believe that more people are getting walking pneumonia because of:

Seasonal changes

Pollution

Weak immune systems

Differences Between Walking Pneumonia and Regular Pneumonia

Feature

Walking Pneumonia

Regular Pneumonia

Severity

Mild

Mostly caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Moderate to severe

Caused by bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses, fungi, or protozoa.

Symptoms

Cough, sore throat, mild fever

High fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing

Contagion

Highly contagious

May or may not be contagious

Treatment

Rest, fluids, sometimes antibiotics

Antibiotics, hospitalization in severe cases

Recovery Time

Usually a few weeks

Can take longer; requires more care

Sources:

INDIATODAY 

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements regarding pneumonia is/are correct?

  1. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs.
  2. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  3. Viral pneumonia cannot be prevented through vaccination.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct. Pneumonia causes inflammation in the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs which may fill with fluid or pus leading to symptoms like cough, fever and difficulty breathing.

Statement 2 is Correct. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia worldwide.

Statement 3 is Incorrect. Vaccines, such as the pneumococcal vaccine and influenza vaccine can help prevent viral pneumonia caused by specific pathogens.

 

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