Legionnaires' disease is a form of severe pneumonia. The disease was first identified in 1976 in a group of people attending the American Legion convention (hence the name). A person who is infected with Legionella bacteria can develop Legionnaires' disease, so the best way to avoid the disease is to avoid exposure to the bacteria in the first place.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Avoiding Potential Risk Factors
Step 1. Boost your immune system
If you are exposed to the Legionella bacteria, this does not necessarily mean that you will develop the disease. However, if your immune system is compromised, you are more likely to become infected. Eat a balanced diet to boost your immune system, focusing on vegetables and fruits. Foods that are good for your immune system include:
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a food rich in probiotics (good bacteria) which are great for cleansing the intestinal tract. Consuming 200 ml of yogurt every day will help you.
- Oats and barley: Both of these foods contain beta-glucan, which is a type of fiber that has high antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits. Eat one daily serving every day to boost your immunity.
- Garlic: Garlic contains a very potent chemical compound, namely allicin. These chemical compounds can fight infection and suppress the growth of bacteria in the body. Eat at least 2 raw garlic cloves every day.
- Tea: Tea can stimulate the growth of virus-fighting interferon in the blood. The chemical compound responsible for this ability is known as L-theanine. Drink a cup of black tea at least three times a day.
- Mushrooms: Research shows that mushrooms can stimulate the production and increase the effectiveness of white blood cells -- cells in the body that can fight infection. Eat at least 28 grams of mushrooms once a week to boost your immunity.
- Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Step 2. Quit smoking
Smoking can damage your lungs, making you more susceptible to disease. Cigarettes contain thousands of harmful chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, pesticides, nitrosamines, and vinyl chloride.
- Smoking can reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. With a decrease in oxygen content in the body, especially in the lungs, cells will be deprived of nutrients and eventually die.
- This will further increase the damage in the lungs. Unhealthy lungs mean an unhealthy self-defense ability against infectious agents, including legionella.
Step 3. Treat all kinds of diseases that can interfere with your immune system
Other diseases can result in Legionnaires' disease. If you already have chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and bronchitis, these diseases will increase your susceptibility to Legionnaires' disease.
- Since this disease has compromised the health of your lungs, legionella should not be difficult to cause new infections. In fact, any condition that impairs your immune system will also make you susceptible to Legionnaires' disease.
- Aging can also be a cause of increased risk. Due to the overall decline in bodily functions, the aging body is at a greater risk of Legionnaires' disease.
Step 4. Identify potential sources of legionella
It is important to be able to identify conditions that favor legionella growth, so you can work to prevent them (especially if your immune system is compromised).
- Legionella pneumophila is commonly found in water or irrigation systems in which amoebae are also present. These bacteria form a symbiotic relationship with the amoeba to survive. Legionella pneumophila can be found in:
- Central air conditioning, hot water and water spray systems, cooling towers, steam coolers, humidifiers, windshield washer lines, air humidifiers, spa tubs, hot tubs, springs, lakes, and streams.
- Keep in mind that the chances of legionella living in water will increase if the water is not running.
Method 2 of 3: Keeping Water Sources Clean
Step 1. Follow some basic guidelines
Follow general guidelines for keeping water sources clean in commercial buildings and their surroundings. This is the most effective way to reduce the risk of the disease spreading further, which can lead to outbreaks.
- The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) guidelines on chemical treatment and proper water temperature to prevent legionellosis.
- The first step is to avoid water temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius. This temperature range supports the growth of Legionella bacteria.
Step 2. Avoid standing water
Legionella can grow faster if undisturbed, so these bacteria prefer to live in stagnant water. For this, you need to make sure that the water system is used frequently to prevent it from pooling.
- For example, a water heater should be used at least 3 times a week to prevent water from pooling in it.
- If you've just returned home after a long vacation, or if you can't use the water heater for any reason, let the water run out for a few minutes before using it.
Step 3. Clean the potential for bacterial growth as often as possible
When the water system provides abundant nutrients for bacteria, this increases the likelihood of legionella growth. These nutrients include scale, rust, silt, and organic materials. Thus, frequent cleaning of potential sites for bacterial growth is critical to reducing the likelihood of a Legionnaire's outbreak.
- Change the water in the fountain at least once a week.
- Use windshield washer water at least once a day to prevent it from pooling.
- Spa tubs, swimming pools, and hot tubs should be chemically treated to prevent bacterial growth. These places should also be drained and the water changed at least once a month.
- When using a humidifier for sick patients, especially those with lung disease, use sterile water instead of tap water.
- Check for signs of dirt in the shower. For example, when using a public bathroom at a gym, let the manager know if you notice rust or dirt along the shower hose.
- Clean the air conditioning system at least two or three times a year, especially on large systems.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Legionella for Business
Step 1. Make sure all your drains are well maintained
Building managers and business owners must comply with their legal obligations to ensure that all waterways in their area are maintained and can operate properly.
- Depending on the city you live in, there are some special rules and requirements that you must meet in order to legally operate your business.
- Asking the water company for help may be necessary if you do not have the skills, knowledge or competence to carry out your legal health and safety obligations.
Step 2. Perform water testing as part of risk assessment and control
Knowing whether legionella is in your water system can be a sign of the success of your business.
- Water sampling must be carried out by an accredited laboratory or by an authorized person. Use testing services recommended by the government to ensure accurate results.
- The frequency of water sampling is highly dependent on the type of your water system. For open water systems, it is recommended that you do the test at least once every 4 months, or as needed.
- For closed water systems, routine water sampling is not required. However, some conditions may make it mandatory for you to test.
Tips
- Children aged 5 years or under should not use the hot tub. Their immune systems are not fully developed at this stage, so they are more susceptible to legionella and Legionnaires' disease.
- Pregnant women should also not use hot tubs, especially in the first trimester. Consult your doctor before using a hot tub.
- Before traveling by ship, research if possible. Find out if there have been cases of people suffering from pneumonia before while on board the ship. This suggests that the vessel may be a potential source of legionella.
- Outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease can occur at any time of year, although the disease occurs mainly during the summer, and early fall.
Warning
- If you have other illnesses that can impair your immune system, such as AIDS or cancer, then you should be very careful to avoid Legionnaires' disease.
- Legionnaires' disease can be fatal if not treated properly.
