Mycoplasma Pneumoniae in Kids: What to Know About this Bacteria

There is no reason to panic like many did during the peak of COVID-19, but keep an eye on your child’s cold symptoms. In many cases, kids won’t show severe signs of illness—much like a cold or the flu. But some kids may get hit harder with mycoplasma and need extra medical attention. Here are some mycoplasma emergency room visit data* from the CDC:

• For kids 2-4 years old: 1% to 7.2% increase in visits
• For kids 5-7 years old: 3.6% to 7.4% increase in visits 

*These numbers are from March 31 through October 5, 2024, according to this source. 
 

Mycoplasma symptoms can be almost exactly like other respiratory illnesses, which is why it’s important to see the doctor, and maybe request a chest X-ray, if you suspect anything beyond the norm. While symptoms can take up to four weeks to appear, early signs might look like:

• Dry, persistent cough: : Doctors say this is the telltale symptom of mycoplasma. Yes, many other bacteria, viruses and even allergies can cause a dry cough, but take note of how severe it is and how long it lasts. The mycoplasma cough can stay for several weeks, even without any other symptoms.  
• Low-grade fever: Usually it’s not too high, and some kids might not get a fever at all. 
• Headache, fatigue and body ache: Similar to the flu or COVID, these can also be telling of a possible mycoplasma infection.
• Ear pain and sore throat: Sometimes, mycoplasma can spread to the middle ear, and sometimes kids may get a mild sore throat. 

It’s important to note that every child will handle a mycoplasma infection differently. Some kids may have mild symptoms while others might need to visit the hospital. 

3. When is mycoplasma a medical emergency?

In general, for most children with a mild or moderate respiratory infection, we recommend you first contact your pediatrician.  However, in some cases you may need to call 911 or go to the emergency room.  Look out for:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• High fever (over 102°F) 
• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty eating
• Difficulty attending school because of breathing 
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Signs of dehydration, like dry mouth or urinating noticeably less
• Confusion or lethargy 

 >Related: Recognize the signs of a breathing emergency immediately.

Like anything else, completely preventing infections is tough.  You can:

• Practice good hand hygiene. Here’s how to know if you’re doing it right.   
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
• Avoid close contact with sick people

Mycoplasma pneumonia is a common childhood illness that can be effectively managed with proper care. Recognizing the symptoms, seeking timely medical advice, and following your doctor's recommendations are crucial steps in ensuring your child's swift recovery.

Further reading:
What you need to know as cases of walking pneumonia are on the rise for children