Signs and Symptoms
In general, infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae are mild. Symptoms depend on the type of infection.
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.
Page last reviewed: August 24, 2022