Mycoplasma pneumoniae is coming in full force, what can we do?

Hello, this is Science Popularization China. Recently, "Mycoplasma pneumonia" has frequently been on the hot search, attracting everyone's attention. Many patients with Mycoplasma pneumonia have appeared in hospitals across the country, and most of them are children. In the face of this situation, what should we do?

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Let me start with the conclusion. Currently, there is no vaccine that can specifically prevent Mycoplasma pneumoniae. If you want to prevent Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, you still have to rely on immunity. First of all, you must enhance nutrition, ensure adequate sleep, and increase some outdoor exercise appropriately; during the epidemic period, try to avoid going to crowded and poorly ventilated public places. If you have to go, wear a mask; also try to do a good job of indoor ventilation and disinfection and hand hygiene; if the climate changes, add clothes in time. Taking these preventive measures first can reduce the risk of illness. Next, let's take a closer look at Mycoplasma pneumoniae itself.

In fact, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is neither a bacterium nor a virus, but an atypical pathogen without a cell wall structure, a bit like a bacterium without a "coat". It is mainly transmitted through droplets, and the pathogen may be carried in the secretions of coughing, sneezing, and runny nose.

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Generally speaking, Mycoplasma pneumoniae spreads more among children and adolescents over 5 years old. The peak period in Beijing is from August to December, and it usually reaches a peak around November each year. After Mycoplasma infection, the early symptoms are similar to the common cold, but after 1 to 4 weeks, the patient may have further symptoms, such as dry cough, long-term low fever, fatigue, etc., and may also have a high fever and develop into pneumonia.

It should be noted that the severity of a child's illness is not necessarily proportional to the body temperature, so even if the child's body temperature is not high, if there are symptoms of wheezing or difficulty breathing, you should go to the hospital in time. That's all for today, see you next time.

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Review | Jie Zhijun Chief Physician of Respiratory Department, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University