Michigan Grapples with Cases of Hard-to-Treat Pneumonia

Walking pneumonia cases are on the rise, particularly among young children. According to WILX, Dr. Rebecca Schein, an Assistant Professor at MSU, highlights that the bacteria responsible for this condition, called Mycoplasma, is currently prevalent in Michigan communities. The infection typically lasts about one to two weeks.

One important thing to note is that some common antibiotics, like penicillin, aren’t effective against Mycoplasma pneumonia. Dr. Schein explained that this bacterium causes a different type of infection compared to most others and often resolves on its own. While there are antibiotics that can help alleviate symptoms, they generally only reduce the duration of the illness by a couple of days.

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Certain groups are at higher risk for more severe cases that could lead to hospitalization, especially children with asthma or other respiratory issues. Dr. Schein advises that if you belong to a high-risk group, wearing a mask in crowded places or during community events might be a good precaution.

In addition to wearing masks, Dr. Schein emphasizes the importance of practicing good hygiene, like covering your cough and washing your hands regularly, to help limit the spread of infection.

While there’s no specific vaccine for walking pneumonia, there are vaccines available for the flu, RSV, and whooping cough that can help protect against other respiratory infections. Staying informed and taking preventive measures is key to keeping yourself and others healthy.