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    • Respiratory diseases are on the rise in young children, CDC reports
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    Respiratory diseases are on the rise in young children, CDC reports

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    To prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, the CDC recommends staying up to date on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, taking steps for cleaner air and taking precautions such as distancing and masking.

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

    Over the past six months, emergency departments have discharged an increasing number of patients diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is usually associated with ‘walking pneumonia’ or acute bronchitis. Discharges peaked in late August, the CDC reported Oct. 18.

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

    “The increase in children aged 2 to 4 years 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, approximately two million infections occur in the U.S. each year

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    What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

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

    The bacteria is spread by inhaling 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 manifest as a chest cold with fever, cough and sore throat. Sometimes the infection can also present as pneumonia.

    When a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection progresses to pneumonia, it is often less severe than typical pneumonia and presents as ‘walking pneumonia’.

    What is walking pneumonia?

    Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia, also known as “atypical pneumonia,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. While pneumonia, a lung infection, can leave someone bedridden, someone with walking pneumonia may be able to walk around and perform daily tasks without being aware of the infection.

    Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases

    To help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia, the CDC recommends the following:

    • Stay up to date on vaccinations
    • Maintain good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly
    • Take measures for cleaner air, such as opening doors/windows; replacing the filter for central heating, ventilation or air conditioning; moving activities outside the home
    • Take precautions, such as keeping your distance from others for at least five days and wearing a mask when you are around others

    If you think you or someone you know may have a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, see a healthcare provider.

    How do you test for Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

    To test this, healthcare providers collect a swab from the nose or throat, in addition to physically examining a patient for signs of respiratory disease.

    Mycoplasma pneumoniae testing usually occurs as part of a respiratory panel that tests for other pathogens, such as the flu and COVID-19.

    How do you treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

    For most, Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be treated on its own – without clearing medications. However, over-the-counter medications can help a person feel better during recovery.

    If necessary, a healthcare provider will provide an antibiotic.

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

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