Walking pneumonia (atypical pneumonia) often starts gradually. Early signs may include low-grade fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and a persistent dry cough. Sputum can be minimal or absent. Shortness of breath may be mild initially but can worsen with exertion. The term “walking” reflects that some people can continue daily activities, but it does not mean the illness is trivial. If symptoms persist beyond 7–10 days, cough intensifies, or chest pain/breathlessness increases, evaluation is appropriate. In higher-risk individuals, the threshold for seeking care should be lower because deterioration can still occur.