Colorado Parents Concerned Over Illness Affecting Children

As we enter into the final few months of the year, it means that cold and flu season are right around the corner.

However, it seems like this time bacterial infections are causing a lot of problems for people in Colorado recently.

For example, there was a case of whooping cough that was spreading all across Colorado, getting many children sick. This coincided with schools opening back up.

On the other hand, a major news story has been the outbreak of E. coli amongst people who ate Quarter Pounders from McDonalds locations in Colorado, causing one person to pass away.

Now, there is yet another bacterial infection that is starting to sweep the nation, and many parents in Colorado are concerned about its impacts in our state.

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infecting Children Across the Country

Recently, there has been major talk about the concerning pattern of children getting infected with a bacteria called mycoplasma pneumoniae. 

In other words, it’s the bacteria that can give you walking pneumonia, which is definitely not a fun thing to have.

In fact, according to NPR, cases of walking pneumonia have increased tenfold this year, which is completely unprecedented.

In particular, it’s very young children, especially those between the ages of 2-4, who are getting infected.

What Are the Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia?

The good news when it comes to walking pneumonia is right in its name; it’s a less severe form of the disease. 

For the most part, it feels like a mild cold, where you will likely experience a fever, sore throat, and cough. 

However, it can lead to a more serious infection that presents itself as normal pneumonia. 

Mycoplasma pneumoniae actually is treated a bit differently than other bacterial infections, since antibiotics like penicillin don’t work against it. In most cases, antibiotics aren’t needed as well, and only is necessary in cases that turn into full blown pneumonia. 

Instead, it’s best to make sure you or your child stay hydrated, get a good amount of sleep, and take fever reducing medications. Once your child is fever free without fever reducers for 24 hours, they can go back to school.

Finally, mycoplasma pneumoniae spreads through respiratory droplets, so make sure to have you and your child frequently wash hands and clean surfaces.