mage content: This image is available to view online. View image online ( https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/images/org/health/articles/atypical-walking-pneumonia ) Symptoms of walking pneumonia are milder than typical pneumonia. It might feel more like a bad cold. “Walking pneumonia” is a way people often describe a mild form of pneumonia. As in, you might feel well enough to walk around without realizing you have a lung infection. Pneumonia is inflammation and fluid in the air sacs of your lungs, usually caused by an infection. Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Walking pneumonia (pronounced “noo-MOHN-yuh”) might cause symptoms that feel more like a bad cold, like a cough or fatigue. “Walking pneumonia” isn’t a medical term. Healthcare providers are more likely to call it atypical pneumonia. Symptoms and Causes Symptoms of walking pneumonia Walking pneumonia symptoms may be more like common respiratory infections rather than pneumonia. They include: Sore throat Extreme tiredness (fatigue) Chest pain  or discomfort Low-grade fever Chills Cough Headache Walking pneumonia causes The most common causes of walking pneumonia are atypical bacterial infections . These include: Mycoplasma pneumoniae Chlamydia pneumoniae Legionella Haemophilus parainfluenzae Viruses and fungi can also cause it. Is walking pneumonia contagious? The germs that cause walking pneumonia are contagious. They usually spread through coughing and sneezing or sharing cups or utensils. But they don’t always cause pneumonia. For example, the bacteria that can cause walking pneumonia are more likely to cause minor illnesses, like ear infections. Still, you should avoid others if you have walking pneumonia to prevent spreading the illness. Risk factors You’re more likely to get walking pneumonia if you: Are 2 or younger Are 65 or older Have a w