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Mycoplasma pneumoniae
7-minute read
Key facts
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause chest infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
- Symptoms of mycoplasma pneumoniae include a dry cough and a sore throat.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is spread by droplets that travel through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Often, mycoplasma pneumoniae will get better without medicine; however, your doctor may recommend medicine to help you recover.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is more likely to cause complications if you have a weak immune system or are an older person.
What is mycoplasma pneumoniae?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that damages the lining of your respiratory tract (throat, windpipe and lungs). This can cause chest infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Infection often occurs in:
- schools
- childcare centres
- universities
- aged care facilities
- hospitals
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is most common in children and young adults, but you can be infected at any age.
What are the symptoms of mycoplasma pneumoniae?
Symptoms of mycoplasma pneumoniae include:
- dry cough
- feeling short of breath
- headache
- fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
- feeling tired
- sore throat
Children younger than 5 years of age may have different symptoms than older children and adults. These symptoms can include:
Symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 weeks after you are infected with mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Most symptoms will get better after a month, but some symptoms, such as a cough or fatigue, may last longer.
Not all people who are infected with mycoplasma pneumoniae have symptoms. If you have no symptoms, you can still infect others.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes mycoplasma pneumoniae?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can be spread by:
- droplets that travel through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- touching items that an infected person has touched, such as tissues
- direct contact with saliva (spit) when sharing food or drink
You can be infected with mycoplasma pneumoniae more than once.
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if you have any symptoms of mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Be sure to call ahead and let the receptionist know of your concerns. Ask about having a home visit or telehealth appointment to protect other people in the waiting room.
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When to seek urgent care?
If you are having trouble breathing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department, or call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Get urgent care if you have symptoms of mycoplasma pneumoniae and you:
- are coughing up blood
- have chest pain
- are struggling to breathe
- feel confused
How is mycoplasma pneumoniae diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and will examine you.
They might also organise for you to have a:
- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) throat or nose swab
- blood test
- chest x-ray
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How is mycoplasma pneumoniae treated?
Often mycoplasma pneumoniae will get better with rest.
Self-care at home
If you have a mild infection, you can manage your symptoms safely at home.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to help avoid dehydration.
Your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to take over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin to help you recover.
Children under the age of 16 years should not be given aspirin. This is because it may cause a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
Medicines for mycoplasma pneumoniae
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medicines or antibiotics if you have a severe infection.
It's very important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.
You can still infect others when you are taking antibiotics.
Other treatment options
If you are very sick or have complications, you might need to go to hospital.
What are the complications of mycoplasma pneumoniae?
Infection with mycoplasma pneumoniae does not usually cause complications.
If you are not getting better after taking antibiotics for mycoplasma pneumoniae go back to your doctor.
Complications of mycoplasma pneumoniae can include:
- rash
- myalgia (muscle aches)
- pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around your heart)
- arthralgia (joint pain)
You are more likely to have complications from mycoplasma pneumoniae if you:
- have a weak immune system
- are recovering from a respiratory illness
- have lung disease
- are an older person
Can mycoplasma pneumoniae be prevented?
The best way to protect yourself from mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is to:
- regularly wash your hands
- meet people outside, or in indoor spaces with good airflow
If you have any symptoms of mycoplasma pneumoniae, you should:
- stay at home
- cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- regularly wash your hands
- wear a face mask if you need to leave your home
- not visit high-risk places, such as hospitals or aged care facilities
There is no vaccine that protects against mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
Resources and support
Learn more about protecting yourself from the spread of respiratory viruses on the Australian Centre for Disease Control webpage.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.