Atypical pneumonia can be caused by some molds, viruses or bacteria, according to the American Lung Association. A common bacterium called mycoplasma pneumonia is often behind cases of walking pneumonia. Most people can recover on their own, but over-the-counter medicine can help ease symptoms.

"Walking pneumonia" is a type of respiratory illness, meaning it's spread through inhaling respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Other people can get infected if they breathe in those droplets, according to the CDC.

As the weather gets colder and sneezes and sniffles become more common, it’s important for parents to be aware of the potential health risks. A new rep

The surge of respiratory infections this year caused by the common and contagious bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or M. pneumoniae, has affected people of all ages, but especially young children, according to a recent alert by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Emergency room physicians at Baton Rouge General Hospital are seeing more children come in sicker than they seem.