Mycoplasma in Kids

When your kids go to school, you’ll be surprised of the many types of viruses and bacteria they could bring home. Take for example this morning, I received an email from my daughter’s school, stating that there’s Mycoplasma infection going around the premises. Hmm, Mycowhat? I did some research on it and turns out that this is a bacteria that can cause sore throat, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Found in the throat of infected persons and spread to other people through the air by sneezing or coughing. It can also be spread by touching tissues or other things recently soiled by secretions from the nose or throat of an infected person.

People of any age can get Mycoplasma:

Children under 5 years usually have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. The illness is recognized more in school-age children and young adults. Occasionally, epidemics can occur, especially in military populations and institutions (colleges, for example) where people live in close quarters. These occur more often in late summer or fall.

Symptoms to look for include:

Headache
Tiredness
Cough, often in spasms
Chest discomfort
Sore throat
Fever

Read more about it here

Related sources: Mycoplasma Infections