Legionella, or Legionnaire's disease, is a serious respiratory infection caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacteria , which lives and thrives in hot and humid environments, such as untreated air conditioning filters or in showers that are not used for a long time, for example. example. Thus, this bacterium needs water to be contracted and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
When the bacteria infects the body, symptoms such as a constant dry cough, chest pain, high fever and difficulty breathing can appear. Know the other signs and how to identify the infection.
How contamination happens
Contamination by Legionella can happen through contact with humid and hot environments in which hygiene is not performed correctly. Thus, some situations that favor the entry of bacteria through the respiratory system are swimming in contaminated lakes, pools, water sources, spas and spas, in addition to frequently using air conditioning in which the filter is not cleaned periodically.
Although the infection is more frequent after breathing small drops of water, it can also happen by drinking contaminated water from these sources.
How not to catch Legionella
There is no vaccine against this infection and, therefore, to protect yourself it is recommended:
- Do not bathe or shower with very hot water, especially in public places such as gyms or hotels; Do not use saunas, hot tubs or jacuzzis that are not cleaned for a long time; Bathing in a bath opening the tap a little to reduce the water pressure; Clean filters and air-conditioning trays with water and chlorine every 6 months; Dip the shower in a mixture of water and chlorine to disinfect.
These precautions are especially indicated in the event of an epidemic by Legionella , however, it is important to avoid all types of standing water and to have the habit of cleaning the showers with chlorine regularly.
People most at risk of being infected with the bacteria include smokers, people over 50 and patients with chronic lung diseases or diseases that affect the immune system, such as diabetes, HIV or kidney failure, for example.
