Pneumonia (nuh-MOH-nyuh) is an infection in the airways of the lungs. It is caused by different types of germs, such as bacteria or viruses. Walking pneumonia is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Common symptoms include fever, cough, fast or hard breathing, and chills.

Treatment for walking pneumonia includes an antibiotic, rest, plenty to drink, and other care at home to help your child feel comfortable while they recover.

Many kids with this type of pneumonia don't feel very sick. That's why it's called “walking pneumonia.” Even though the symptoms can be mild, the cough can last several weeks.

Here's how to care for your child.

• Give your child the antibiotic as instructed by your healthcare provider. Don't stop the antibiotic early, even if your child seems better. They need to finish all of the doses to be sure the infection is fully treated.
• If your child is uncomfortable from fever, and your healthcare provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Don't give aspirin to your child. It can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Help your child get plenty of rest. They may need to take a day or two off from school, sports, and activities to let their body heal.
• Give your child plenty of liquids. If it is easier for your child, give small amounts of liquid using a spoon or medicine dropper. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on what types of liquids are best for your child (for example, formula, water, herbal tea, warm broth, or electrolyte drinks).
• To help with a cough:
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier, especially while your child is sleeping. Clean the humidifier after each use.
  • If your child is older than 12 months, you may give 1–2 teaspoons of honey at bedtime to help soothe a cough. Do not give honey to infants younger than 12 months.
  • If your child is older than 6 years and is not at risk for choking, you may offer them a cough drop or a piece of hard candy while they are awake.
• Don't give cough or cold medicines to children under 6 years old. These medicines can cause serious side effects. Check with your healthcare provider before giving cough or cold medicines to children 6 years and older.
• Do not allow anyone to smoke or vape around your child. Being around smoke or vapor can make coughing worse, increase the risk of lung infections, and cause other health problems. For help quitting, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov.
• Be sure your child has had all recommended vaccines. Some can help prevent certain kinds of pneumonia.
• Follow up as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Your child:

• Has trouble taking the antibiotic
• Has a new or worsening fever, chest pain, coughing, or vomiting
• Seems to be getting worse
• Has a cough that continues for more than a few weeks

Your child isn't drinking at all or has signs of dehydration (not enough water in the body) such as a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, less pee or darker pee than usual, little or no tears when crying, or unusual sleepiness.

Go to the ER or Call 911 if:

• Your child is breathing much faster than usual, has blue lips, nails, or skin, or is struggling to breathe.
• The skin between your child's ribs, above their collarbone, or below their ribs pulls in with each breath.

You know your child best. If they have symptoms that worry you or seem very sick, call your healthcare provider or 911 or take your child to the ER.

What happens in walking pneumonia? If bacteria get into the lungs, the airways swell and get irritated. They also fill with white blood cells (germ-fighting cells) and mucus. This blocks the airways and leads to coughing and sometimes breathing problems.

What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia? Kids with walking pneumonia usually have a cough. They may also wheeze, have a fever, and may not want to eat as much as usual.

How does walking pneumonia spread? The germs that cause pneumonia can spread through coughing and sneezing, when someone touches the germ, then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes, or by sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil.

How can we prevent the spread of germs that cause pneumonia and other illnesses? It helps to have all family members:

• Sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away and wash their hands well. If a tissue is not available, they should sneeze into their upper sleeve or inner elbow, not their hands.
• Wash hands well and often with soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse, and dry thoroughly. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing, before eating or preparing food, or after having a bowel movement. If soap and water are not available, they can use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

When can my child return to school, sports, and other activities? Most kids with walking pneumonia can go back once they:

• Have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours
• Have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicines)
• Feel well enough to participate