The agents generally cause a mild and widespread pneumonia. The most prominent symptom of mycoplasma pneumonia is a cough that tends to come in violent attacks, but produces only sparse whitish mucus. Mycoplasma are responsible for approximately 20 percent of all cases of pneumonia. Early treatment with antibiotics can cure bacterial pneumonia and speed recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia. There are no effective treatments for most types of viral pneumonia, which usually heal on their own.
Pneumococcal vaccination is effective in preventing invasion of pneumococcal infections.
People over age 65 and those in high-risk groups are advised to receive the pneumonia vaccine. In addition, influenza vaccination is recommended since pneumonia often occurs as a complication of the flu. Pneumonia and influenza vaccines are covered by Medicare, as well as some state and private health insurance. The pneumonia vaccine is generally given once, although revaccination after 3-5 years should be considered for children with nephrotic syndrome, asplenia, or sickle cell anemia who would be less than 11 years old at revaccination. Revaccination should also be considered for high-risk adults who received their first shot six years ago or more, and for those who are shown to have rapid decline in pneumococcal antibody levels.