Pediatrician Offers Tips to Prevent Walking Pneumonia
Back-to-School Spike: Mycoplasma Pneumonia Cases Expected to Rise in Kentucky
Florence, Ky. – As Kentucky students head back to classrooms after the holiday break, parents should be aware of a potential increase in cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, a common respiratory infection often referred to as “walking pneumonia.”
“We typically see a rise in mycoplasma pneumonia cases in the weeks following the holidays,” said Dr. John La Count, a pediatrician at st. Elizabeth Healthcare in Florence. “The close proximity of children in schools creates an ideal surroundings for the bacteria to spread.”
Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae and spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. While frequently enough mild, the infection can sometimes lead to more serious complications, particularly in young children and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. La Count emphasizes the importance of preventative measures.”Good hand hygiene is crucial,” he said. “Encourage your children to wash thier hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow can also help prevent the spread of germs.”
He also recommends staying home when sick to avoid infecting others.
While antibiotics are effective in treating mycoplasma pneumonia, Dr. La Count stresses the importance of consulting a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
“If your child develops symptoms of respiratory illness, it’s vital to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate care,” he advised.
Back-to-School spike: Mycoplasma Pneumonia Cases Expected to Rise in Kentucky
Florence, Ky. – As Kentucky students head back to classrooms after the holiday break, parents should be aware of a potential increase in cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, a common respiratory infection frequently enough referred to as “walking pneumonia.”
“We typically see a rise in mycoplasma pneumonia cases in the weeks following the holidays,” said Dr. john La Count, a pediatrician at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Florence. “The close proximity of children in schools creates an ideal habitat for the bacteria to spread.”
Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae and spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. While frequently mild, the infection can sometimes lead to more serious complications, notably in young children and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. La Count emphasizes the importance of preventative measures. “Good hand hygiene is crucial,” he said. ”encourage your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow can also help prevent the spread of germs.”
He also recommends staying home when sick to avoid infecting others.
While antibiotics are effective in treating mycoplasma pneumonia, Dr. La Count stresses the importance of consulting a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
“If your child develops symptoms of respiratory illness, it’s vital to see a doctor to determine the cause and recieve appropriate care,” he advised.