RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Cases of walking pneumonia, also known as mycoplasma pneumonia, have been on the rise, particularly impacting children between the ages of 2 and 4 as well as those between 5 and 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the illness is typically less severe than other forms of pneumonia, its symptoms often resemble those of a common cold, making it difficult to spot. The CDC notes that the infection is highly contagious and spreads easily among children, especially in settings like schools and daycares. Health experts warn that the uptick in cases could continue for the foreseeable future, and parents should be vigilant for signs of the illness. Cases started increasing in March and peaked in August. Dr. Sean McKenna, a general pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, said this year has seen a particularly high number of cases, with younger children showing the most significant increases. PREVIOUSLY: Rise in pediatric pneumonia cases in central Virginia expected to continue "This has been a particularly busy year for walking pneumonia, and we’re seeing it in younger kids this year," McKenna explained. “It’s moving quickly through families, through schools and daycares. It’s very contagious this year, the numbers are impressive.” The symptoms of walking pneumonia are often subtle and can easily be mistaken for the common cold, McKenna said. These include fever, coughing, sore throat and difficulty breathing. However, one key symptom that sets walking pneumonia apart from a regular cold is a persistent cough that can last for weeks or even months, long after other symptoms have subsided. McKenna said the only definitive way to diagnose walking pneumonia is through a swab test, which has become more common in recent weeks as doctors seek to identify the illness in a rising number of cases. “I’m seeing a fair number of kids who are testing positive if we decide to test. Most of them still look well, which is kind of the definition of walking pneumonia," McKenna said. "You don’t get as sick like with other pneumonia, you’re able to walk around and do your usual routine as much as possible, but you don’t feel well and you’re coughing a lot.” While antibiotics such as azithromycin can be prescribed to help speed up recovery, McKenna emphasizes that treatment is not always necessary for the infection to resolve, although it's still critical to keep an eye out for symptoms. "This year, it still comes down to how sick do you look, how worried are you feeling," McKenna emphasized. Health officials are also urging people to prepare for an upcoming wave of respiratory infections, including RSV, flu and COVID-19. With multiple respiratory illnesses circulating, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game by ensuring children are up-to-date on vaccinations and seeking medical advice if symptoms arise. For more information, you are encouraged to contact your healthcare provider to discuss preventive measures and treatment options for walking pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.