“Then you get really sick”

Sweden is facing the largest outbreak of mycoplasma in several years. For the vast majority it is a common cold, but for some unlucky people it can lead to pneumonia.
– It looks like we are heading for a tough autumn, says doctor Marcus Olausson.

Mycoplasma is an infectious bacterium that causes fever, headache, sore throat and dry cough for most people. The outbreaks vary in strength from year to year. And this season it seems to be coming in full force.

There is a lot of mycoplasma now. But for most it is a troublesome but kind disease, says doctor Marcus Olausson in Nyhetsmorgon.

Hard to protect yourself

Mycoplasma is transmitted as a droplet infection, i.e. via liquid droplets that arise when you sneeze, cough, speak or breathe. Like the flu. It is therefore difficult to protect oneself from becoming infected. If you have ingested the bacteria, it usually takes two to three weeks before the disease breaks out.

For one in ten it will be pneumonia and then you will become seriously ill. It differs from other diseases because it is tough on young adults, says Marcus Olausson.

Then you should seek care

Because one of the most common causes of pneumonia in young adults is mycoplasma. If you suspect that you have been infected, you should treat it as a cold and stay at home.

You do not need to seek preventive care, but if you become seriously ill, if you find it difficult to breathe or have chest pain and become generally affected with a high fever that does not subside. Then you seek care, concludes doctor Marcus Olausson.