Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a mild form of pneumonia caused by certain molds, viruses, or bacteria, often Mycoplasma pneumonia. The symptoms of walking pneumonia are usually mild and can be mistaken for a cold or the flu. Some of the common symptoms include:

• A cough that may come in violent spasms
• Mild flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Chest pain when taking a deep breath
• Tiredness
• Weakness that may last after other symptoms go away

Symptoms can come on suddenly or take longer to appear, and those that start slowly tend to be more severe. Walking pneumonia usually appears gradually and can continue for weeks, and a cough could continue for months. Most people with walking pneumonia feel well enough to walk around and carry out daily tasks without realizing they have pneumonia. However, it is important to note that walking pneumonia is still a serious illness, and if you have pneumonia symptoms, even if they are mild, you should discuss with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Recovery time varies from person to person and will depend on whether you have other medical problems. Antibiotics can help you recover more quickly if your doctor believes bacteria to be the cause.