Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia that often doesn’t cause severe symptoms, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Many people continue going to work, school, or daily activities while sick, which is how it earned the name “walking pneumonia.” Even so, symptoms can linger longer than expected and may interfere with breathing, energy levels, and overall health. Understanding how long walking pneumonia typically lasts, what symptoms to expect, and when to seek medical care can help ensure a safe and complete recovery.
For same-day walking pneumonia care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana. Our board-certified medical providers specialize in treating a wide range of conditions for patients of all ages. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
What is Walking Pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is most commonly caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike more severe bacterial pneumonia, this type usually develops gradually and causes milder symptoms. However, it is still a lung infection and can worsen without proper treatment.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent dry or hacking cough
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
Because symptoms are often mild at first, many people mistake walking pneumonia for a lingering cold or bronchitis.
How Long Does Walking Pneumonia Last?
The duration of walking pneumonia varies from person to person, but most cases follow a predictable timeline:
1. Early Symptoms (1-2 Weeks)
Symptoms usually begin gradually, often starting with fatigue, sore throat, or headache. A dry cough can develop slowly and become more persistent. Many people remain active during this phase, not realizing they have a lung infection.
2. Peak Symptoms (2-4 Weeks)
Coughing becomes more frequent and may worsen at night. Fatigue can be significant, and chest discomfort or shortness of breath may appear. Without treatment, symptoms often linger and may interfere with daily activities.
3. Recovery Phase (4-6+ Weeks)
With proper treatment, typically antibiotics, most people begin feeling better within a few days. However, the cough and fatigue may persist for several weeks as the lungs heal. It’s common for people to feel mostly better but still experience some lingering symptoms. In some cases, particularly if treatment is delayed, symptoms can last 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Does Walking Pneumonia Go Away on its Own?
Walking pneumonia may improve without treatment in some cases, but antibiotics are often needed to fully clear the infection. Without treatment, symptoms can persist longer and complications may develop, including worsening lung inflammation or secondary infections. Visiting an urgent care center allows a provider to evaluate your symptoms, listen to your lungs, and determine whether antibiotics or other treatments are necessary.
When to Visit Urgent Care
You should seek urgent care evaluation if you experience:
- A cough lasting more than 10 to 14 days
- Worsening cough or chest pain
- Shortness of breath during normal activity
- Fever that doesn’t improve
- Extreme or persistent fatigue
- Symptoms that improve and then worsen again
Urgent care providers may order an X-ray, perform lung exams, or run tests to confirm walking pneumonia and rule out other conditions like bronchitis or traditional pneumonia.
Get Same-Day Walking Pneumonia Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana
Walking pneumonia often lasts several weeks, even without treatment, and recovery can take time. While symptoms are typically milder than traditional pneumonia, they shouldn’t be ignored. If you have a lingering cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana. Visiting us can lead to faster diagnosis, proper treatment, and a smoother recovery. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week– providing both in-person and telemedicine visits for all patients in the Aurora and Denver, CO area. Most health insurance plans are accepted and low-cost options are available for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about our services, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 343-6000.
