Walking pneumonia is on the rise in B.C.

B.C. has more cases of walking pneumonia this fall. Many young people are getting it.

Doctors call it “walking pneumonia” because it is usually not serious. People can still do things, even if they feel sick.

Common symptoms are cough, sore throat, fever, aches and a cough that can last a while.

You get walking pneumonia from a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumonia. This pneumonia happens every few years. This was rare before the pandemic. Tests show that around 15 to 20 per cent of young people have it.

There is no vaccine for walking pneumonia. Most people get better on their own. But some people may need antibiotics if they feel worse.

Adapted from Chek News • Photo: Pexels/cottonbro

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