CALIFORNIA, Md. — As December approaches, Maryland residents are bundling up to protect against low temperatures and avoid catching a cold. However, the winter of 2025 may be a difficult time for those in the DMV, as the number of walking pneumonia cases is rising rapidly.
According to a post by MedStar Health on X, walking pneumonia cases are being reported at a much higher rate than usual in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. This trend may continue in 2025, which is why healthcare organizations are spreading the news before the influx worsens.
In a comment to Arlington Magazine, MedStar Medical Director Dr. Jasmeet Singh Bhogal explained that although the uptick in cases is a concern among the local medical community, walking pneumonia is less dangerous than other forms of pneumonia.
Compared to October 2023, a 356% increase in walking pneumonia cases was recently confirmed by MedStar Health, which operates more than 30 urgent care centers in the DMV area.
Walking pneumonia can be caused by “molds, viruses, or bacteria,” according to an article by the American Lung Association. Healthline reports that it can take up to six weeks for a healthy individual to fully recover.
Should You Visit a Doctor for Walking Pneumonia?
As the name suggests, walking pneumonia doesn’t often leave patients bedridden. Symptoms typically resemble those of a common cold, such as sneezing, coughing, or a sore throat, but every patient experiences it differently. However, pneumonia isn’t something to take lightly.
Although less severe, you should visit a doctor if you think you or a loved one might have walking pneumonia. Medical professionals can prescribe antibiotics and provide proper care. Left untreated, walking pneumonia can develop into a more serious condition.
Pneumonia can also result from the flu, so getting a flu shot may help prevent a walking pneumonia case. Additionally, wash your hands regularly and avoid sharing food or drinks with those who may be sick.
Children and older adults face the greatest risks if they develop pneumonia. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that pneumonia remains incredibly deadly to young children, especially outside the developed world. “Pneumonia kills more children than any other infectious disease, claiming the lives of over 700,000 children under five every year, or around 2,000 every day,” UNICEF wrote.
About MedStar Health
MedStar Health operates dozens of urgent care centers in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Its mission is to ensure patients have immediate access to the medical care they need.
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