A 50-year-old patient consulted doctors at a private hospital in Abu Dhabi with a persistent dry cough and low-grade fever that had lasted for over a week. While she was able to continue her daily activities, the cough did not improve.

Doctors at Burjeel Hospital performed a thorough evaluation and a chest X-ray confirmed the diagnosis of walking pneumonia. “After a course of antibiotics and rest, the patient’s symptoms improved significantly within a few days,” said Dr Samah Ahmed, consultant pulmonologist at Burjeel Day Surgery Centre, Al Shahama.

Similarly, two brothers arrived at Zulekha Hospital with complaints of fever, persistent cough and body aches, not expecting to be diagnosed with pneumonia. “They both went about their daily routine, feeling under the weather but unaware that their lungs were fighting an infection,” said Dr Hassan Razein, a respiratory medicine specialist at Zulekha Hospital.

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A chest X-ray revealed the presence of small spots of lung infection – signs of walking pneumonia. After they started antibiotic treatment, their fever went down, but the cough lingered for over a week.

According to doctors, this type of pneumonia, often called “walking pneumonia,” is a milder form of lung infection that allows people to continue their normal activities despite symptoms that would usually leave patients immobilized.

The silent fight of the lungs

Walking pneumonia is usually caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacteria that often leads to less severe but long-lasting symptoms. Unlike traditional pneumonia, which brings high fever, chest pains and shortness of breath, “walking pneumonia symptoms can be subtle. A dry cough, low-grade fever, fatigue and a sore throat are its typical manifestations, and many individuals dismiss these signs as just a bad cold or flu,” said Dr. Ahmed.

Dr. Samah Ahmed

Dr Bhawna Gupta, a pediatric specialist at Wecare Medical Center in Karama, said: “Walking pneumonia feels like a bad case of the flu or a persistent cough that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter medicines.” She adds that most patients do not require hospitalization or bed rest and can continue their daily activities.

Dr Bhawna Gupta

Children at risk

While walking pneumonia can affect anyone, certain groups are more susceptible. According to Dr. Gupta, children under two, adults over 65, asthma patients and those with weakened immune systems, such as smokers or people taking steroids, are at greater risk. People who live or work in crowded environments are also more likely to contract the infection.

Dr Ahmed said walking pneumonia is more common in winter, “when people spend more time indoors and bacteria spreads easily”.

Often misunderstood symptoms

Walking pneumonia can last for several weeks, and the cough is usually the most persistent symptom. Dr Ahmed said that although the condition is mild, it is important not to ignore it. “Patients should watch for signs that could indicate a worsening condition, such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath or high-grade fever,” said Dr. Ahmed.

Why should you not ignore it?

Although walking pneumonia is usually mild, untreated cases can lead to complications, Dr. Razein said. “Severe bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis can develop if the infection is left untreated, especially in people with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, untreated walking pneumonia can also lead to heart or nervous system problems,” added Dr. Razein.

Dr. Hassan Razein

Prevention and care

“The good news is that walking pneumonia is preventable,” said Dr. Ahmed, who suggested basic hygiene practices such as covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze, washing your hands frequently and getting a flu shot. “People with chronic health conditions such as asthma or diabetes are encouraged to wear masks in crowded spaces,” Dr. Razein said.

“If you experience walking pneumonia symptoms that do not improve, it is always best to visit a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment,” said Dr. Gupta.

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HM Ayaz Zakir

HM Ayaz Zakir is a senior correspondent with a knack for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures to remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.