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:

• sneezing
• wheezing
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

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.

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.

When to seek urgent care?

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

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.

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.