Posted on November 13, 2025

If you’ve noticed more lingering coughs among family members, coworkers, or classmates in the Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton area this fall, you’re not alone. At East County Internal Medicine, we’ve seen an uptick in patients presenting with symptoms of “walking pneumonia” — a milder form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This trend aligns with statewide and national reports of increased cases throughout 2025, particularly after a period of unusually low activity during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why the Increase in Walking Pneumonia Now?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections historically cycle every 3–7 years, but they dropped dramatically during pandemic restrictions like masking and social distancing. As those measures eased, the bacteria has made a strong comeback:

• The CDC reports that M. pneumoniae infections began rising in late spring 2024 and have remained elevated through 2025, with test positivity rates climbing nationwide.
• Notably, cases are affecting younger children (ages 2–4) more than in previous cycles — a shift from the typical school-age group (5–17 years).
• In Florida, hospitals and clinics, including those in South Florida and Central Florida regions, have reported surges, with some pediatric centers seeing 5–10 times more cases than in recent years.

While exact Manatee County numbers aren’t publicly tracked for this bacterium (there’s no national or state mandate for reporting mild cases), local urgent cares and primary care offices like ours in Lakewood Ranch are diagnosing more patients with persistent respiratory symptoms consistent with walking pneumonia.

Symptoms to Watch For

Walking pneumonia gets its name because most people feel well enough to go about daily activities, even with an infection. Symptoms develop gradually over 1–4 weeks after exposure and can last for weeks:

Common in adults and older children:

• Persistent dry or productive cough (often worse at night)
• Low-grade fever
• Sore throat
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue that lingers

In younger children (under 5):

• Sneezing, stuffy/runny nose
• Wheezing or vomiting
• Diarrhea in some cases

Because symptoms overlap with flu, COVID-19, RSV, and even allergies, accurate testing is key — we offer rapid respiratory panels in-office to distinguish Mycoplasma from viruses.How It Spreads in Our CommunityThe bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, especially in close settings like:

• Schools in Lakewood Ranch and Manatee County districts
• Holiday gatherings and indoor events
• Offices and gyms

With cooler weather driving people indoors and Thanksgiving/Christmas travel on the horizon, now is the time to be proactive.

Prevention Tips for Lakewood Ranch Families

There’s no vaccine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, but these steps go a long way:

1. Frequent handwashing and covering coughs/sneezes
2. Staying home when sick (even if you “feel okay” to walk around)
3. Good ventilation in homes and classrooms
4. Keeping up with flu and COVID vaccines — they won’t prevent walking pneumonia but reduce the risk of co-infections that make illness worse

Treatment: The Good News

Most cases resolve on their own in 2–4 weeks with rest and fluids. When antibiotics are needed (especially if symptoms are severe or prolonged), we prescribe macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin — which work well against Mycoplasma (unlike common penicillins such as amoxicillin). Early treatment shortens duration and reduces spread.

When to Seek Care at East County Internal Medicine

Don’t wait if:

• Cough lasts more than a week or worsens
• Fever exceeds 101°F or persists
• You have shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing
• Symptoms affect a young child, senior, or anyone with asthma/COPD/diabetes

We offer same-day appointments and targeted treatment plans.

Stay healthy this season, East County! For the most accurate and up-to-date contact information or to schedule, please visit our website at eastcountyim.com or check the Contact Us section directly.

Shaan Kunwar, DO
East County Internal Medicine
Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, FL

Tags: walking pneumonia Lakewood Ranch, Mycoplasma pneumoniae Manatee County, lingering cough Bradenton, respiratory illness Florida 2025, East County Internal Medicine

(This post is for educational purposes. Always consult your physician for personal medical advice.)

Posted on November 11, 2025

Shaan Kunwar DO

With Florida health insurance premiums projected to rise 50–100%+ in 2026 after ACA subsidies expire, thousands in Manatee and Sarasota counties are turning to predictable, transparent cash-based primary care that costs less than most monthly premiums.

East County Internal Medicine

Florida families are facing the largest health insurance premium shock in state history. The enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that have shielded millions of Floridians from true premium costs are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025. Insurance carriers have already submitted their 2026 rate filings to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, and the numbers are staggering:

• Average requested premium increases across marketplace plans exceed 75%
• Many individual and family plans will see effective increases of 100% or more once subsidies disappear
• Over 4 million Floridians currently enrolled in marketplace coverage will be directly affected
• Employer-sponsored plans and Medicare Advantage supplemental policies are simultaneously raising deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums

For residents of Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Sarasota, and surrounding communities, the financial impact will be immediate and severe. East County Internal Medicine anticipated this exact scenario years ago. The practice is operated completely independent of insurance contracts, prior authorizations, and corporate healthcare systems. This model was designed to remain stable and affordable regardless of legislative changes, subsidy expirations, or insurance industry consolidation. The practice’s fee schedule remains unchanged and fully transparent:

• New Patient Comprehensive Visit: $175
• Established Patient Follow-Up Visit: $125
• Same-day or next-day appointments available (in-person or telehealth)
• No facility fees, no copays, no surprise billing

For most healthy adults who require 2–4 visits per year, total annual primary care costs range from $300–$550 — significantly less than a single month of projected 2026 insurance premiums for many Florida residents. This structure provides complete immunity from:

• Annual premium increases
• Network restrictions
• Deductible resets
• Referral requirements
• Balance billing

Patients throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties continue to receive unhurried, evidence-based primary care with direct physician access while avoiding the financial uncertainty now facing the insured population. The practice welcomes individuals and families from Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, Sarasota, and all of Florida who seek a reliable, cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance-dependent care.

Medicare beneficiaries may use the practice for all primary care services (annual wellness visits, chronic disease management, preventive care) while preserving full Medicare coverage for hospitalizations, specialists, and emergencies.

To schedule an appointment or discuss how this model can reduce healthcare expenses in 2026 and beyond, please call (941) 727-7771 or contact us through eastcountyim.com.

East County Internal Medicine
11009 Gatewood Drive, Suite 104
Bradenton, FL 34211
(941) 727-7771