An expert tells PEOPLE how to manage the 'highly infectious' atypical pneumonia, also known as 'walking pneumonia,' and advised parents use this natural remedy for cough instead of over-the-counter medication.

More young children are catching walking pneumonia this year, as cases of the respiratory illness continue to surge around the country.

Children who have coughs that go on for weeks may have a type of walking pneumonia that’s been surging in the US this year, and they may need a different antibiotic regimen to treat it, infectious disease experts say.