Unfortunately, there is no known prevention for mycoplasma pneumonia. Avoiding those who are infected with this highly contagious atypical pneumonia and flu shots as well as the pneumococcal vaccine. are really the only prevention tactic that is currently known. Flu shots are only recommended because pneumonia; inflammation of the lungs, is sometimes a result of a lingering flu that is not properly treated. Preventing the flu may help prevent pneumonia in general.

Normally, a person who has contracted the infection is not aware that they are ill on contagious immediately. This is because it usually takes about two weeks for this particular pneumonia to become symptomatic. Sometimes people are infected and contagious for up to a month before any symptoms of pneumonia show up.

As much as I hate to report, we're no closer to preventing the spread of mycoplasma pneumonia than the common cold. In the same, using proper hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing is really all that can be done.

As far as institutions like jails, shelters, etc, the spread of this pneumonia is likely to keep running rampant. Hygiene is probably not as up to par as it could be in these facilities and the sheer fact that people who are infected with the sickness are in such close proximity to those who are not infected causes the pneumonia to spread quickly and easily. Unfortunately, people in those situations - those incarcerated or homeless - are more likely to have a weakened immune system due to other health issues, malnutrition, drug use or lifestyle factors. This makes them at even higher risk of being infected. Of course, this is also a big problem for those who work in these settings as well. Those who have careers in these facilities should most definitely take the time to wash their hands properly and frequently, eat well, exercise and get an adequate amount of rest to make sure their immune systems are strong.

To help with hygiene in these tight quartered places like jails and shelters, alcohol based cleaners should be used on all surfaces. Alcohol has been proven to kill germs and bacteria associated with colds, viruses and infections. Antibacterial soap should be tossed out as it's been tested time and again in laboratories and shown to be very ineffective. In fact, plain dish detergent that is not antibacterial is much, much more likely to destroy the germs and bacteria than antibacterial soap.

Using a bleach cleaner is also very effective for cleaning surfaces. The mixture should be one part bleach to ten parts water for the bleach to be strong enough to destroy bacteria and germs that may be potentially harmful.

Proper ventilation is also of the utmost importance; especially in facilities where many people are confined in a small area together. Without this proper ventilation, the infected air is simply breathed in by the masses and potentially infecting everyone.