“ Walking pneumonia " sounds like it could be the name of a sci-fi horror flick. But it's actually the least scary kind of pneumonia . It can be milder than the other types, and you usually don’t have to stay in the hospital. You could have walking pneumonia and not even know it.

It Might Feel Like a Cold

Walking pneumonia is how some people describe a mild case of pneumonia. Your doctor might call it “atypical pneumonia” because it’s not like more serious cases.

A lung infection is often to blame. Lots of things can cause it, including:

Bacteria

Viruses

Fungi

Chemicals

Inhaled food

Walking pneumonia usually is due to bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

You probably won’t have to stay in bed or in the hospital. You might even feel good enough go to work and keep up your routine, just as you might with a cold.