Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has entered a high-risk period, and the number of children with pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has increased recently. Does a child's fever, cough, and runny nose necessarily indicate Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection? What condition does the child need to go to the hospital immediately? For this purpose, People's Daily Online interviewed Wang Fang, Chief Physician of the Infectious Diseases Department at Henan Children's Hospital. Wang Fang introduced that Mycoplasma pneumoniae, as a common respiratory pathogen, is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets, and the population is generally susceptible. It is the main pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia in preschool and school-age children. After Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, patients usually experience symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, sore throat, and runny nose. Cough is usually a dry cough, sometimes very severe, similar to pertussis. Wang Fang stated that due to the similar clinical manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and other respiratory infections, the diagnostic methods mainly rely on clinical manifestations, imaging examinations, and laboratory tests. Parents who discover that their child's body temperature has been consistently above 38.5 ℃ for more than 3 days or that the condition has persisted, are advised to take the child to the hospital for treatment and evaluation, follow the doctor's advice on medication, and avoid blindly taking medication at home to delay the condition. The treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection includes various methods such as general treatment, symptomatic treatment, antibiotics, etc. At present, various anti mycoplasma drugs have been applied in clinical practice with significant therapeutic effects, so parents do not need to worry too much Wang Fang pointed out that for children with mild symptoms, hospitalization is generally not necessary, but close observation of changes in the condition, sufficient rest, and energy intake should be ensured, and antipyretic drugs should be taken correctly. At the same time, it is important to ensure that children have sufficient water intake. The amount of water consumed varies among different age groups, and can be increased as appropriate in cases of fever. It is recommended to drink warm water in small amounts multiple times. During the recovery phase, the child's condition will be under control, but coughing may last for a longer period of time, some up to 1 to 2 months, and symptoms will gradually disappear with treatment and time. After the condition improves, outdoor aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, etc. can be carried out appropriately to enhance physical fitness and improve the body's immunity. Will Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia recur? Wang Fang stated that the main reason for the recurrence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is insufficient treatment course, failure to completely eliminate the pathogen, and recurrence when the body's resistance decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to standardize treatment under the guidance of a physician. After being cured of mycoplasma infection, a small amount of protective antibodies will be produced, which will not cause reinfection in the short term. However, the protective effect and time of antibodies are limited, and reinfection may occur during mycoplasma epidemics. Regardless of whether infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae or not, it is important to take protective measures and maintain good personal hygiene habits in daily life, such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks, and maintaining indoor air circulation. At the same time, enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, and avoid contact with individuals who have respiratory symptoms Wang Fang said. (New Society)