Did you know there are different types of pneumonia? AFC Lenoir made this guide to understanding 2 of the most common respiratory illnesses.
Nothing beats a warm flatbread from Cork & Barrel Deli, a Chicago deep dish pizza from Piccolo’s or a classic Lenoir Drug Store Chicken Salad Plate from 1841. However, your routine can be thrown off in an instant. When a respiratory illness sets in, the last place you want to be is around people.
Pneumonia is one of those conditions that people hear about often, but not everyone realizes there are different types, including one that’s much milder: walking pneumonia. If you’re wondering how walking pneumonia compares to regular pneumonia, here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the symptoms, severity and when to seek care.
A Quick Look at What Pneumonia Is
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. These germs settle into the tiny air sacs (alveoli) inside the lungs, causing the tissue to swell, fill with fluid or pus, and become less effective at delivering oxygen.
A few key facts:
- It can affect one or both lungs.
- Air passages may become blocked with phlegm, making breathing difficult.
- Pneumonia illnesses are grouped by the type of germ causing the infection.
- Treatment varies depending on severity and the specific pathogen.
Pneumonia can be bacterial (the most common and often more severe), viral (often flu-like and sometimes mild), or fungal (less common and usually affects immunocompromised individuals).
What Is Walking Pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia, often caused by bacteria or viruses. Many people compare it to a persistent chest cold rather than a full-blown respiratory infection.
A few things make it stand out:
- Most common in school-aged children and younger adults.
- Symptoms are mild enough that people often continue daily activities.
- It is very contagious, especially because people may not realize they’re sick.
- Most individuals recover without prescription medication.
While walking pneumonia won’t leave you bedridden, the cough can linger for weeks, sometimes months.
The Key Differences
Symptom Severity
Walking Pneumonia:
- Mild symptoms that resemble a stubborn cold
- Usually no high fever
- Cough may linger for a long time
- Most people feel well enough to stay active
Regular Pneumonia:
- More intense symptoms
- Higher fever
- More difficulty breathing
- Greater fatigue, everyday activities may feel exhausting
- More likely to cause complications in higher-risk individuals
Likelihood of Hospitalization
Walking Pneumonia:
- Rarely requires hospitalization
- Most cases resolve with rest, hydration and over-the-counter care
Regular Pneumonia:
- Can require medical intervention
- Bacterial pneumonia, in particular, may need antibiotics or even hospital monitoring, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
Contagiousness
Regular Pneumonia:
- The infection itself isn’t contagious, but the viruses or bacteria that cause it can spread.
- Contagious periods depend on the type (for example, bacterial pneumonia becomes less contagious 48 hours after antibiotics begin).
- Spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking and touching contaminated surfaces.
Walking Pneumonia:
- The most contagious form of pneumonia.
- You can spread the bacteria 2–4 weeks before symptoms appear and throughout recovery.
- Spreads the same way regular pneumonia does.
Typical Recovery Time
Walking Pneumonia:
- Milder illness but a longer recovery.
- Cough may drag on long after other symptoms improve.
Regular Pneumonia:
- More severe upfront, but once treated (especially with antibiotics) many people recover more quickly if no complications develop.
Shared Symptoms Between Both Types
Although severity differs, many symptoms overlap, including:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain with deep breaths or coughing
- Chills and sweating
- Headache or body aches
Seek emergency care immediately if you notice bluish lips, nails or skin. These symptoms may indicate cyanosis and require urgent treatment.
How to Help Prevent Pneumonia
When it comes to preventing any illness, it’s all about building simple and healthy habits.
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Wash hands often
- Avoid touching your face
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Avoid smoking
Pneumonia Care Near You
If you’re dealing with a lingering cough, shortness of breath, or symptoms that just don’t feel like a normal cold, AFC Lenoir is here to help. Our team can:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Perform a physical exam
- Conduct on-site lab testing and chest X-rays
- Provide treatment, including antibiotics, antivirals or steroids if inflammation is severe
No need to schedule days in advance. At AFC, we’re here to provide top-tier walk-in care without breaking the bank. We’re affordable, convenient and trusted.
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