You can have a lung infection like "walking pneumonia" for weeks without knowing, as symptoms (cough, fatigue) are very mild and easily mistaken for a lingering cold, while other types can start subtly over days before worsening, but acute infections often show clear flu-like signs within a few days. Some people, especially with milder infections, might not notice the gradual onset until symptoms become significant or they realize it's not going away.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a tiny bacterium that most often causes infections in children ages 5-17 and young adults, especially those living and working in crowded conditions. The illness is often mild enough to go undetected and is sometimes referred to as walking pneumonia.
Pneumonia is a very serious health concern that requires prompt attention. Left untreated, it can escalate into severe complexities like respiratory failure, sepsis, and chronic lung damage. Spotting the signs and understanding the risks can help you make decisions about your health. Don't take chances with pneumonia.
The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they may come on more slowly over several days.
What are the first signs of walking pneumonia?
Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
Symptoms usually appear within two to three weeks of becoming infected and can continue for weeks. A cough could continue for months. With walking pneumonia, you may feel like you have a cold. But symptoms are usually mild, so you likely won't need bed rest or a hospital stay.
Lung infection symptoms
Chest pain when breathing deeply or coughing. Mucus (phlegm) that is greenish, yellow, or bloody. Fever, chills, and sweating. Fatigue and weakness.
There are several reasons why someone with pneumonia might not develop a fever, including: Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as older adults, infants, or those with chronic illnesses, may not develop a strong fever response.
The four stages are:
Viruses that infect the respiratory tract may cause pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is often mild and goes away on its own within a few weeks. But sometimes it is serious enough that you need to get treatment in a hospital. If you have viral pneumonia, you are at risk of also getting bacterial pneumonia.
You should see your GP if: you've had a cough for more than three to four weeks (persistent cough) your cough is very bad or quickly gets worse, for example, you have a hacking cough or can't stop coughing. you have chest pain.
Chronic lung infections can last for months or even years. They are more difficult to treat than acute lung infections and require expert input. They can cause lasting damage to your lung tissues as they become repeatedly damaged by the infection over time.
Symptoms of pneumonia differ from person to person. Most people will develop a dry or wet cough, but this is not always the case. Those who do not have a cough may experience other symptoms, such as a fever, nausea and vomiting, or weakness. Without treatment, pneumonia can be life threatening.
Symptoms
Blood tests to confirm the infection and to try to identify the germ that is causing your illness. Chest X-ray to look for the location and extent of inflammation in your lungs. Pulse oximetry to measure the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream.
Symptoms of pneumonia
The most common symptoms of bronchitis are:
Pneumonia symptoms often mimic bronchitis symptoms and may include fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, and chills. Distinguishing symptoms are a productive cough and sharp chest pain when coughing or breathing deeply. Many people also have difficulty breathing and feel like their lungs are full or clogged.
Symptoms of Lung Infections
Bacteria are the most common cause in adults and viruses are the most common cause in school-aged children. Common illnesses that can lead to pneumonia include: Common cold (rhinovirus). COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2).
Walking pneumonia sounds mild, but it can sneak up on you and linger for weeks. Unlike regular pneumonia, it often feels like a stubborn cold that just won't go away. Knowing the stages can help you catch it early, get the right care, and avoid serious walking pneumonia complications. This is the “silent” stage.
Common symptoms include cough, fatigue, fever and chills, sore throat, or shortness of breath. Left untreated, walking pneumonia can escalate from mild to severe illness. Uncommon but severe complications of walking pneumonia can cause or worsen asthma, kidney damage, skin disorders, or brain swelling (encephalitis).
If the infection has spread or you have a generalized infection, you may develop other signs and symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, pain, etc. Sometimes however, you may have an infection and not know it, and not have any symptoms.