After pandemic restrictions eased, cases of respiratory infections worldwide: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu and even strep A. The latest data suggests a surge in infections may be coming this winter. This bacterium is called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. M pneumoniae infections are known to peak and trough, with epidemics occurring every four to six years. But with a lack of exposure to the bacterium during the peak of the pandemic, many people may be losing immunity to the bug.
It typically causes a mild chest infection, but it can cause life-threatening illness, such as pneumonia and brain swelling.

As with other respiratory infections, M pneumoniae is transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes, creating “respiratory droplets”. Other people can become infected if they inhale these droplets.
Crowded places, such as schools and hospitals, are ideal environments for the bug to spread. But unlike flu or COVID where symptoms start within days of exposure, it can take as long as three weeks before symptoms of an M pneumoniae infection start.

Symptoms in adults are similar to the flu: sore throat, fatigue, fever and headache. They can also get a cough that gets progressively worse, and which may last for weeks or even months. However, M pneumoniae infections are most common in school-aged children. Their symptoms can differ and may include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, wheezing, watery eyes, vomiting and diarrhoea.

3% – 10% of children with an M pneumoniae infection will develop atypical pneumonia. It can also temporarily worsen asthma.

As with other respiratory infections, the best way to stop M pneumoniae from spreading is to follow good hygiene practices – such as catching coughs and sneezes in disposable tissues and regularly washing hands. Avoiding crowded areas. The people with symptoms should avoid such places – it will help you avoid infection and prevent spreading the bacterium around as winter has arrived.

Contact your GP if your cough lasts longer than two, three weeks