Walking Pneumonia Cases Surge, Affecting Youth and Vulnerable Populations

Walking pneumonia, a milder form of pneumonia, is on the rise, particularly in children, and shares symptoms with COVID-19, flu, and RSV, making diagnosis challenging. As these illnesses spread during colder months, it's crucial to identify the cause for appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or antivirals for viruses. Differentiating between viral infections and allergies can be tricky, but symptoms like fever suggest a virus, while itching indicates allergies. Testing and medical consultation are recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment.