The CDC reports there’s been an increase in cases of ‘walking pneumonia’ among young children, which is sure to have some parents concerned. “Right now, we are seeing a lot of all different types of pneumonia. There’s bacterial, viral and what we call atypical pneumonia. Walking pneumonia usually refers to an atypical pneumonia, and we're certainly seeing a lot more of that, but walking pneumonia can be different things,” explained Camille Sabella, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist for Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “It's usually not your standard bacterial pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is usually caused by something called mycoplasma pneumonia, but it can also be very similar to viral pneumonias as well.” 

Doctors say a simple cut or scrape can put adults at risk for tetanus if they do not get a booster every ten years. The bacteria that cause tetanus are usually found in soil, dust, and manure. They also recommend a pneumonia vaccine for all adults 65 years old and up. Pneumonia can pose a serious risk for older adults and getting vaccinated can protect them from being hospitalized. Doctors add adults 50 years old and older should get vaccinated for shingles, which causes a painful rash.

Local health officials say we are still in the COVID-19 pandemic technically according to the numbers but could move into an endemic by fall. Influence and pneumonia are considered endemic diseases that can be controlled with vaccinations. They strongly encourage people to remain cautious concerning the possible spread of COVID-19.