What is walking pneumonia?

What is walking pneumonia?

Pneumonia is the inflammation of the tissue in one or both lungs. Typically, it is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. This infection leads to the air sacs in your lungs being filled with fluid, which makes it harder for oxygen to reach your bloodstream.

Walking pneumonia is an informal term for a mild case of pneumonia¹. However, it still is a lung infection.

The symptoms of typical pneumonia can cause a cough which may contain green, yellow or blood-tinged mucus, difficulty breathing, a rapid pulse, high temperature, flu-like symptoms such as sweating or shivering, chest pain and fatigue. Walking pneumonia symptoms are slightly vaguer.

Patient picks for Chest and lung infections

Chest and lungs

What you need to know about pneumonia

Winter is the main time for chest infections like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. In fact, more people die from pneumonia in the UK than anywhere else in Europe. We talk to a doctor about the signs of pneumonia, who are the most vulnerable, and how you may reduce your chances of contracting it.

by Ellie Broughton

Chest and lungs

Post-operative chest infection

This leaflet is adapted from the leaflet: Post-operative Chest Infection, provided by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the professional body responsible for the speciality throughout the UK, ensuring the quality of patient care through the maintenance of standards in anaesthesia, critical care and pain medicine. A chest infection is an infection that affects the lower large airways (bronchi) and the lungs. Pneumonia and bronchitis are the most common chest infections. After an anaesthetic and an operation there is a risk of developing a chest infection. The term 'lower respiratory tract infection' is often used to describe a chest infection. An 'upper respiratory tract infection' means an infection affecting the nose and throat.

by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?

The symptoms of walking pneumonia include:

• Headache

• High temperature

• Cough

• General tiredness - fatigue.

Sometimes, the symptoms can feel like a bad cold. However, in some cases of pneumonia, different types of atypical bacteria - bacteria that are different to the regular ones that cause pneumonia - can cause severe symptoms which may require hospital care.

Is walking pneumonia contagious?

It is possible to catch pneumonia from an infected person. Contact with them, coughing or sneezing can transfer the virus or bacteria. Bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia can also be transferred by touching a surface an infected person has come into contact with.

However, not everybody exposed to pneumonia-causing bacteria or viruses will develop pneumonia as their immune system may be able to fight it.

To prevent pneumonia from spreading it's important to cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands regularly.

How is walking pneumonia treated?

Walking pneumonia doesn’t normally require treatment in hospital. The symptoms - a cough, high temperature and fatigue - can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and bed rest if it is caused by a virus. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Soft foods and lozenges may help to minimise irritation in the throat.

How long does walking pneumonia last?

The symptoms of walking pneumonia usually go away within three to five days. However, if the symptoms remain or get worse, it’s important to visit your doctor.

When to see a doctor

You should speak to your doctor if your cough lasts for weeks or there is weight loss but call an ambulance if you experience the following pneumonia symptoms:

• Fast breathing.

• Shortness of breath or chest pains.

• Coughing up blood.

• Confusion or drowsiness.

You should go to hospital if you experience severe symptoms such as trouble breathing or a very high temperature.

If the pneumonia is caused by bacteria instead of a virus, it may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Further reading

1. British Medical Journal: Atypical pneumonia