Pediatricians report spike in walking pneumonia in children
The holidays are nearly here, which means New Yorkers are preparing to spend time with friends and family. But health experts are eying some illnesses that could put a damper on your plans.
Typically, it’s the flu or respiratory syncytial virus this time of year that keeps doctor offices busy but right now, health care providers around the country and New York are seeing an uptick of walking pneumonia, specifically in children.
According to the CDC, the percentage of children aged 2 to 4 diagnosed with walking pneumonia grew from 1 % to to 7.2% now
Doctors say walking pneumonia is not as contagious as something like the flu, and that most children fully recover, often without antibiotics
This has been a trend since March, with a significant spike last month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children between the ages of 2 and 4 appear to be the most susceptible. The percentage of children in that age group diagnosed with this grew from 1% to 7.2%. Looking at an older age group, 5 to 17, the rate went from 3.6% to 7.4%.
Historically speaking, this isn’t an illness that is typically prevalent among children, but some doctors believe there is likely a lingering correlation with this and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This walking pneumonia all but disappeared during COVID. There was even speculation that it had disappeared forever,” said Dr. Harry Miller of Four Seasons Pediatrics in Saratoga County. “Nope, it came back. We need to continue to have that exposure for our immune systems to have some protection and memory.”
Some symptoms include a dry cough, fever or a sore throat, but they’re not typically severe. Younger children may develop a wheeze and lose their appetite. Miller says walking pneumonia is not as contagious as something like the flu, and is often spread by prolonged exposure.
“The good news is this is a pneumonia that isn’t as severe as bacterial pneumonia, and most kids recover fully, even without antibiotics,” Miller said. “We’re trying to pick out who we need to treat and have a discussion with parents about that.”
Some classic techniques to reduce the chances of catching something this holiday season include things like staying home if you’re sick, coughing into the crook of your arm and handwashing.
