“Then you get really sick.”

Sweden is facing its largest mycoplasma outbreak in several years. For the vast majority of people, it's a common cold, but for some unlucky people it can lead to pneumonia.
– It seems that we are heading towards a difficult autumn, says doctor Marcus Olausson.

Mycoplasma is an infectious bacteria that causes fever, headache, sore throat, and dry cough in most people. The strength of outbreaks varies from year to year. It seems that this season will come in full force.

There are a lot of mycoplasma now. But for most people, it's an annoying but pleasant disease, says Dr. Markus Olausson in Nyhitsmorjon.

It's hard to protect yourself

Mycoplasma is transmitted as a droplet infection, that is, through liquid droplets created when sneezing, coughing, speaking or breathing. Like the flu. Therefore, it is difficult to protect oneself from infection. If you have ingested the bacteria, it usually takes two to three weeks before illness develops.

One in ten will develop pneumonia and then become seriously ill. Marcus Olausson says it is different from other diseases because it is difficult for young people.

Then you should seek care

Because one of the most common causes of pneumonia in young people is mycoplasma. If you suspect you have the infection, you should treat it as a cold and stay home.

You do not need to seek preventive care, however, if you become seriously ill, have difficulty breathing or have chest pain and become generally unwell with a high fever that does not subside. Then seek care, concludes doctor Markus Olausson.