Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection can cause pneumonia (lung infection). Anyone can get infected, but it is most common in school-aged children and young adults. Infections are usually mild, and most people recover without medicine. However, some people can get sick enough to need antibiotics and to go to hospital. There is no vaccine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (mycoplasma) is a bacterium. It can cause respiratory (chest) infections. In some cases it can lead to severe pneumonia (lung infection) needing admission to hospital.
Mycoplasma infection is most common in school-aged children and young adults but can occur in people of any age.
Mycoplasma infection occurs throughout the year. However, every 3 to 7 years there are increases in the number of people infected.
Mycoplasma affects the respiratory tract (throat, windpipe, and lungs). Infections are generally mild, and it is sometimes called “walking pneumonia". However, occasionally infections can be severe and need antibiotics.
Symptoms usually appear from 1 to 4 weeks after the person is infected with the bacteria. Symptoms may last for several weeks. Mild infections can be managed safely at home without medicine.
Symptoms of infection may include:
Children younger than 5 years of age may have different symptoms to older children and adults. These symptoms may include:
Mycoplasma is spread by droplets when infected people cough or sneeze. Other people can become infected if they breathe in these droplets. It can also be spread by touching a surface or object that the droplets have landed on.
Most people who spend a short amount of time with someone who is sick from mycoplasma do not get infected.
Someone can be infected with mycoplasma and show no symptoms, but still be able to spread it to others. People with mycoplasma can be infectious for about 20 days.
Mycoplasma infection is diagnosed by a nose and throat swab. Sometimes a doctor may also do a blood test or a chest x-ray to check for lung infection (pneumonia).
Mycoplasma can affect anyone. However, infections are most common in school-aged children and young adults. If you live in the same house as someone with mycoplasma infection you are at higher risk of getting infected.
Infection with mycoplasma is usually mild but can be serious for people who:
Living and working in a crowded setting can increase the risk of getting mycoplasma infection. Crowded settings include schools, colleges, and dormitory facilities.
There is no vaccine for mycoplasma. People can be infected more than once.
The best way to protect yourself from infection is to practice good hand hygiene with regular handwashing, and to gather outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces.
If you have any symptoms, you should:
You can manage your symptoms safely at home without any treatment if you have a mild infection. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter medicines to help you recover. Sometimes your doctor may recommend antibiotics.
If you are worried that you or your child's symptoms are getting worse, call: