What is Walking Pneumonia?

About Walking Pneumonia:

• It is a type of atypical pneumonia most commonly caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, but other bacteria or viruses can also cause it.
• It often presents symptoms similar to those of a common cold or mild respiratory infection, including cough, sore throat, low-grade fever, and fatigue.
• While it may not cause severe illness, it can still be disruptive, with symptoms lingering for weeks if left untreated.
• Unlike typical pneumonia, which can lead to severe lung inflammation and difficulty breathing, walking pneumonia is often less intense, allowing people to carry on with their daily activities, which is how it earned its name in the 1930s.
• It is also called 'silent' pneumonia because sometimes people don't experience symptoms despite X-rays showing fluid-filled air sacs in the lungs.
• Transmission: It is contagious. It's spread through airborne droplets from close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, or speaking.
• Treatment: It is often manageable with rest, fluids, and, in some cases, antibiotics. 

Q1: What are X-rays?

X-rays are a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths that are shorter than visible light yet longer than gamma rays. Discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen, X-rays can penetrate different materials to varying degrees depending on their density. This unique ability makes them highly valuable for imaging internal structures, especially in medical and dental diagnostics.

News: What is walking pneumonia, the lung disease often mistaken for a common cold?