Federal and state health officials tell CBS News they are tracking an increase of infections with the illness known as "walking pneumonia" or "white lung pneumonia" among young kids.

While the illness is typically less severe than other forms of pneumonia, its symptoms often resemble those of a common cold, making it difficult to spot.

Dr. Zach Willis with UNC Children's explains the national rise in bacterial pneumonia cases and what parents can do to keep kids healthy.

Children are experiencing the largest rise in this mild respiratory infection, characterized by a lingering cough.

Treatment is largely home-based, Dr. Collins-McGowan advises. Ensure the child gets plenty of rest, stays well-hydrated, and uses acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage any fever or discomfort. For children over one, honey can help soothe the cough, though children under one should avoid honey due to botulism risk.

As the weather gets colder and sneezes and sniffles become more common, it’s important for parents to be aware of the potential health risks. A new rep

Walking Pneumonia cases are at near-record levels across the DMV. With Medstar Health reporting that pneumonia cases up a whopping 358 percent over last year.

These spikes mostly target the elderly and school-aged children, however there’s also been an increase in children ages 2 to 4.