Buzz
Although the term walking pneumonia might sound alarming, it simply refers to a mild form of pneumonia—meaning the individual is still able to go about their day rather than being confined to bed or a hospital. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is just one example of the estimated 4 to 5 million people who contract a similar lung infection each year.
Walking pneumonia isn't a medical term in itself, says Dr. Albert Rizzo, chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Christiana Care Health System. The most accurate medical term would be 'community-acquired pneumonia,' indicating that the infection was contracted in everyday life rather than being acquired during a hospital stay for another condition.
So, what exactly is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lung parenchyma, the portion of the lung where the air sacs, or alveoli, are located. This differs from bronchitis, which is an infection of the bronchi—the tubes that carry air from the throat to the alveoli.
Pneumonia can become a serious and even life-threatening condition, particularly if it occurs alongside other medical complications. Individuals who are very young, very old, or already suffer from lung conditions are at greater risk. If pneumonia is contracted in a hospital or nursing home, it tends to be more severe and may be resistant to antibiotics, making treatment more challenging.
How serious is 'walking' pneumonia?
However, it is entirely possible to experience a mild case of pneumonia, which is where 'walking' pneumonia comes into play. If you're generally healthy and the virus or bacteria causing the infection isn't particularly dangerous, your symptoms might be limited to a cough and mild fatigue. You might also experience a fever and chills.
Where does pneumonia come from, and how can we prevent it?
Pneumonia can be caused by various infections, including viruses, bacteria, and occasionally fungi. Dr. Rizzo notes that community-acquired pneumonia is often caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus.
While there is no surefire way to prevent pneumonia, maintaining general health and avoiding germs through basic yet effective practices like frequent hand washing can help. A vaccine is available to protect against several types of pneumonia-causing bacteria, and it is recommended for children under six, adults over 65, and anyone with risk factors like chronic lung disease.
Bacterial pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics, and most patients begin to feel better within a day or two. During recovery, it’s important to rest, maintain a balanced diet, and stay well-hydrated.
Illustration by Jim Cooke.
