10/10/2024
What parents need to know!
POP NOW has noted a steady rise in kids with pneumonia starting earlier this summer. In September, we have seen 108 cases which is 15x compared to last year. Understanding this illness can help you recognize its symptoms and know when to seek care for your child.
What is Mycoplasma pneumonia? AKA “Walking Pneumonia” is a bacterial infection in the lungs
Symptoms 🤒
• Persistent worsening cough over days to weeks
• Persistent fevers, Fatigue
• Common among school age children and teenagers and spreads quickly in classrooms
How is it Diagnosed?
• History and Exam: to review your child’s symptoms and pneumonia can often be heard with certain sounds in the lungs 🩺
• Diagnostic Tests: In some cases, a chest X-ray may be ordered 🩻
How is it treated?
Fortunately, mycoplasma pneumonia is usually mild and can be treated effectively.
• Antibiotics: Since it is caused by bacteria, your child may be prescribed antibiotics 💊
• Rest and Hydration: Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to help their immune system💧
What’s with this rise? Certain respiratory illnesses trend each season and what is circulating currently is leading to pneumonia much more frequently. Typically pneumonia is not contagious, however, mycoplasma is contagious and this has been spreading like wild fire in our schools.
How to prevent infection? It is spread through the air by droplets - teaching children to cover their mouths while coughing (into an elbow is best!) and lots of hand washing in school! 🧼
POP NOW has been a convenient location for families to receive a prompt diagnosis and leave our clinic with antibiotics in hand to get their little ones feeling better quickly! 🌟
But remember, not every cough is pneumonia! Come on in for a visit if your child has a persistent cough that is concerning to evaluate whether they need any treatments! We are here to help!
Visit www.popnowmd.com to self schedule