'Walking Pneumonia' Spikes Amid Poor Air & Cold: Know Symptoms & Care

• "Walking Pneumonia" cases are rising due to increasing cold weather and deteriorating air quality.
• Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria, it's a respiratory illness affecting healthy individuals, particularly children and youth.
• Key symptoms include cough, fever, chills, difficulty breathing, chest pain, weakness, and muscle aches.
• Prevention involves adequate sleep, hydration, hand hygiene, vaccinations, and wearing masks in polluted areas.
• High-risk groups include children, the elderly, individuals with lung conditions, and those in crowded environments.

Why It Matters: Rising 'Walking Pneumonia' due to poor air quality poses a subtle, dangerous health risk.