According to the CDC, respiratory illnesses in young children are on the rise

To prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, the CDC recommends staying up-to-date on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, taking steps to maintain cleaner air, and taking precautions such as social distancing and wearing masks.

According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respiratory infections among young children have been increasing since the start of the school year in August.

Over the past six months, an increasing number of patients have been discharged from the emergency department with a diagnosis of “Mycoplasma pneumoniae,” which is typically associated with “walking pneumonia” or acute bronchitis. Discharges peaked in late August, the CDC reported Oct. 18.

According to the CDC, the percentage of children ages 2 to 4 diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae increased from 1% to 7.2% between March 31 and October 5. And among children ages 5 to 17, the percentage of diagnoses increased from 3.6% to 7.4%.

“The increase in children ages 2 to 4 is notable because M. pneumoniae has not historically been recognized as a major cause of pneumonia in this age group,” the CDC report said.

Although numbers have increased recently, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are common. According to the CDC, there are approximately two million infections each year in the United States

What you should know: E. coli outbreak at McDonald's follows other listeria, salmonella recalls

What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

According to the CDC, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacteria that can cause respiratory infections.

The bacteria are transmitted through inhalation of respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

Infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae are generally mild and present as a chest cold with fever, cough, and sore throat. Sometimes the infection can also appear as pneumonia.

When a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection develops into pneumonia, it is often less severe than typical pneumonia and presents as “walking pneumonia.”

What is walking pneumonia?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia also called “atypical pneumonia.” While pneumonia, pneumonia, can leave a person bedridden, someone with pneumonia may be able to walk around and do everyday tasks without being aware of the infection.

Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases

To prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia while walking, the CDC recommends the following:

Stay up to date on vaccinations
Maintain good hygiene, e.g. B. washing your hands regularly
Take action for cleaner air, e.g. B. opening doors/windows. Replacing the filter for central heating, ventilation or air conditioning; moving outdoor activities
Take precautions such as staying at least five days away from others and wearing a mask when around others

If you think you or someone you know may have a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, seek medical attention.

How do you test for Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

For the test, healthcare providers take a swab sample from the nose or throat and also physically examine the patient for signs of respiratory illness.

Testing for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is usually done as part of a respiratory test that tests for other pathogens such as flu and COVID-19.

How to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

For most people, Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be treated alone – healing occurs without medication. However, over-the-counter medications can make someone feel better during recovery.

If necessary, a doctor will administer an antibiotic.

Greta Cross is a national trends reporter for USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].