Essential insights into ambulatory pneumonia
Rise in Flu Cases Prompts Health Advice on Walking Pneumonia
With a surge in flu cases this season, the Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to take precautions against walking pneumonia, a mild form of pneumonia that can be easily confused with other respiratory conditions.
Walking pneumonia, also known as Mycoplasma pneumonia, is characterised by symptoms such as a persistent cough (which can be dry or wet), low-grade fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue, chest pain or tightness, malaise (general discomfort), and symptoms that can last longer than a common cold[1][2][3].
The condition is often caused by bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, but viruses can also be responsible. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, making close contact with infected individuals a common transmission route[1][2][4].
To prevent the spread of walking pneumonia, the DOH recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding touching the face (eyes, nose, mouth), wearing masks in crowded or outbreak settings, maintaining distance from people who are visibly ill, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or elbow, encouraging sick children to stay home until recovered and fever-free, and gathering in well-ventilated or outdoor spaces when possible[2][3].
Additionally, getting vaccinated against related respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pneumococcal infections can help strengthen the immune system overall[2][3]. Other preventive measures include avoiding smoking or secondhand smoke exposure and supporting immune health through adequate sleep, healthy diet, and regular exercise[3].
It is worth noting that isolation is not necessary for those diagnosed with walking pneumonia, but if symptoms persist or worsen, medical consultation is advised for proper diagnosis and potential antibiotic treatment[1][5].
From January 1 to October 13, 2023, the DOH recorded a total of 151,375 cases of Influenza-like illness (ILI), commonly known as the flu[6]. In October, the DOH reported that ILI cases increased by 45% compared to the same period in 2022[7].
However, out of the ILI cases from January to November, only four (or 0.08%) were confirmed cases of Mycoplasma pneumonia[8]. This indicates that while flu cases are on the rise, walking pneumonia cases remain relatively low.
Despite this, the DOH encourages the public to wear face masks due to the increase in flu cases. Wearing face masks can help prevent the spread of walking pneumonia as well[9].
References: 1. CDC - Walking Pneumonia 2. Mayo Clinic - Walking Pneumonia 3. Healthline - Walking Pneumonia 4. WebMD - Walking Pneumonia 5. NHS - Walking Pneumonia 6. DOH - Influenza-like Illness Surveillance 7. DOH - Influenza-like Illness Surveillance 8. DOH - Mycoplasma Pneumoniae 9. DOH - Face Masks
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