Ever heard of “walking pneumonia?” Guess what…It’s not a fitness trend. It is a lung infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. This sneaky bacteria has been busy as it has gradually been increasing the numbers of respiratory infections here in the United States.  Anyone can be affected by this germ but it is mostly harming kids who are between the ages 5–17 and young adults.

What Is Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia. Mycoplasma causes damage to the lining of the respiratory tract, including the throat, windpipe, and lungs. In fact, it’s even called “walking pneumonia.”  That’s because the symptoms can be mild enough that people will continue to go about their day, ignoring the nagging cough or slight fever.

Complications such as asthma and more serious pneumonia can occur especially in young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems. 

How Does It Spread?

The bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Spending lots of time with an infected person, such as in schools, dorms, militaries, and incarceration facilities, increases our risk. Even family settings are sufficient to spread mycoplasma. Outbreaks are occurring at a rapid pace because people aren’t realizing that they are sick. The virus can last a while on surfaces. It has a long incubation period of 1-4 weeks during which it can be spread from person to person. We may not even feel ill during the incubation period.

The contagious period is 10 days from when we become symptomatic. Be aware that mycoplasma is considered infectious for up to 20 days. That is nearly 3 weeks that this sneaky bacteria is lurking around in our respiratory tract, looking for a ride on a respiratory droplet. 

This is the reason why it is important to cover our mouths when we cough or sneeze, and wash our hands frequently! 

Symptoms to Watch For

If you or your child have been exposed to mycoplasma, watch out for these symptoms:

• A progressively worsening cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath (in severe cases)

For children under 5, symptoms might look a little different. They may experience diarrhea or wheezing instead of the usual respiratory signs. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Droplet Transmission: What You Need To Know

Mycoplasma spreads through tiny droplets that come from a nagging coughing—one of the main symptoms of the illness. When someone with mycoplasma coughs, the droplets can spray onto people nearby, causing outbreaks, especially in enclosed spaces. But it’s important to know that droplet transmission doesn’t only happen when someone coughs on you. Let’s talk more about how this works.

Photo Found On: Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses | Science. 

Mycoplasma Spreads By Droplets

Mycoplasma spreads via droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. These actions release droplets into the air, which can land on people or surfaces. Touching a surface contaminated by droplets and then touching your face—like your eyes, nose, or mouth—can also spread the virus. Newsflash, this is one reason why mycoplasma outbreaks are more common in schools and classrooms, where children are in close contact with each other. 

Children tend to touch their face frequently, 4 to 6 times an hour, making them prone to spreading and picking up germs. Adults touch their faces less often, but they’re still at risk, especially in crowded places.

A quick fun fact about viruses is that some can be spread through droplets while others are considered aerosol transmission. 

• Aerosols are much smaller particles that can stay in the air for a long time. This can be another way that viruses spread and cause outbreaks 
• COVID-19, tuberculosis, and chickenpox spread through aerosols 
• The flu, whooping cough, and mycoplasma spread through droplets 

It’s never too late to learn how different viruses spread and contaminate us! 

Let’s Talk Prevention Steps

To protect yourself and others from droplet viruses, here are some steps you can take:

1. Wash your hands often: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places or touching shared surfaces. This is about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday!”
   1. Washing your hands regularly is a great way to stay healthy and sanitary.
2. Avoid touching your face: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless your hands are clean.
   1. Remember to avoid touching people and surfaces if you happen to touch these key areas while being sick
3. Cover your coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to prevent droplets from spreading.
   1. Be mindful when coughing or sneezing to avoid spraying someone nearby!
4. Clean and disinfect surfaces: Regularly wipe down high-touch areas like gym machines, computers, doorknobs, light switches, books, and desks. Even crayons can be a fomite. That’s the word for surfaces that spread droplets. It even sounds nasty. 
   1. Try out those handy dandy disinfectant wipes at local stores and public spaces! 

By understanding how mycoplasma spreads and taking steps to prevent it, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from this droplet virus.