Signs and Symptoms

In general, infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae are mild. Symptoms depend on the type of infection.

A grandmother reading to her sick grandson

Children who get Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection usually have signs of a chest cold

The most common type of infection is tracheobronchitis (chest cold). Common symptoms of a chest cold include:

  • Sore throat
  • Feeling tired
  • Fever
  • Slowly worsening cough that can last for weeks or months
  • Headache

Children younger than 5 years old who get Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection could have symptoms that are different from older children and adults. Instead, they may have the following cold-like symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Wheezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Pneumonia (lung infection) can occur. Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Cough
  • Feeling tired
  • Shortness of breath

Once someone becomes infected with the bacteria, symptoms usually appear after 1 to 4 weeks.