What are the symptoms of Walking Pneumonia? Major surge in cases among children as map shows rapid spread of respiratory illness

Doctors and parents are warning about a rise in walking pneumonia among US children - a year after a frightening outbreak overseas. The infection, also known as 'white lung' pneumonia, is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumonia and is particularly affecting youngsters aged two to four who were born during the Covid pandemic. KidsHealth.org suggests that if cold symptoms last more than 7 to 10 days this could be a sign of walking pneumonia. More than 10 percent of emergency room visits with pneumonia in this age group were diagnosed with the illness at its peak in August The white masses in the lungs represent fluid-filled air sacs that infectious disease experts say indicate mycoplasma pneumonia Though symptoms of the concerning infection bear a close resemblance to those of the common cold here are a few sure-fire signs to look out for: A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or below A persistent, unrelenting cough that can last for week to months General fatigue Headache, chills, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms Labored breathing or wheezing Ear pain Chest pain Vomiting Loss of appetite Rash Joint pain Symptoms usually depend on where the infection is concentrated. Alma Geddes, three, was one of several children doctors at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center have seen so far this year with pneumonia Typically, kids with this type of pneumonia don't feel sick enough to stay home - hence the name 'walking pneumonia' - but even a child who feels fine should stay home for a few days until symptoms improve, KidsHealth.org recommends.