Mycoplasma is a bacterium that causes fever, headache, sore throat, and dry cough. The infection is more prevalent certain years, and this year appears to be a "mycoplasma year".
There is much to suggest that we have more now than previous peaks before the pandemic, says Magnus Gisslén, who is also an infectious disease doctor and professor at Sahlgrenska Academy.
Mycoplasma is not a notifiable disease, and there are no official figures on the number of cases.
More in Hospital
However, the Public Health Agency notes that the number of laboratory-confirmed cases - which are taken from people who have become severely ill - is increasing, and healthcare is reporting that more people are being hospitalized.
The infection spreads mainly among young people, for example in schools, and then within families.
It has similar symptoms to other respiratory infections with low fever, headache, hoarseness, and dry cough. The cough can sit for quite a long time, says Gisslén.
For most people, mycoplasma is no more than that. But about one in ten who are infected develop pneumonia.
In most cases, pneumonia is so mild that it goes away on its own. But a small proportion gets worse and needs antibiotics.
The incubation period is relatively long, and it takes two to three weeks from infection to the onset of the disease.
Unlike covid, it's not the usual risk groups that are at greatest risk of becoming severely ill, but young people and young adults. There, mycoplasma is the most common cause of pneumonia.
Small children often escape the disease entirely or only get mildly infected.
Can't Know
How do you know if you have mycoplasma or just a cold?
You can't know. If you have a prolonged cough, it could be mycoplasma, but it could also be whooping cough or some virus, says Gisslén.
The fact that mycoplasma appears to be peaking this year is partly due to the pandemic when many isolated themselves at home. This has led to lower immunity to several diseases.
The Public Health Agency advises those who are sick to stay home as long as they have a fever and are affected.
If you have a significant impact on your overall condition, perhaps chest pain, difficulty breathing, or back pain, you should contact healthcare via 1177, says Magnus Gisslén.
The infection is transmitted as airborne droplet infection.
Larger outbreaks in society occur approximately every fourth year.
The incubation period is two to three weeks.
Common symptoms are hoarseness, fever, and dry cough.
About one in ten who are infected develop pneumonia.
Those who get mycoplasma develop limited immunity, but you can get sick several times during your life.
There is no vaccine against mycoplasma.
Source: The Public Health Agency
