Legionellosis is a severe form of pneumonia. The bacterium was identified in 1976 on a group of participants in an American Legion rally (hence the name) at a Philadelphia hotel. A person infected with the Legionella bacterium can develop Legionnaires' disease, so to prevent its development it is necessary to avoid exposure to the bacterium first.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Avoid Potential Risk Factors
Step 1. Improve your immune system
If you are exposed to Legionella bacteria, you may not automatically develop the disease. However, if your immune system is compromised, you are more likely to contract it. To strengthen it, therefore, follow a balanced diet, focusing more on fruits and vegetables. Here are the most effective foods to increase the immune system:
- Yogurt: it is rich in probiotics (good bacteria) useful for cleaning the intestinal tract. It is recommended to eat 200ml per day.
- Oats and barley: contain beta-glucan, a fiber rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Eat one serving a day to help your immune system function properly.
- Garlic: Contains a very powerful chemical called allicin, which fights infections and stops the growth of bacteria in the body. Consume at least 2 cloves of raw garlic per day.
- Tea: supports the production of interferons that fight the presence of external agents in the blood. The chemical responsible for this action is known as L-theanine. Drink a cup of black tea at least three times a day.
- Fungi: Studies show that mushrooms stimulate the production and increase the effectiveness of white blood cells - the cells that fight infection. Consume at least 1 gram of mushrooms once a week for immunostimulating results.
- Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Step 2. Stop smoking
Smoking damages the lungs, increasing susceptibility to the disease. Cigarettes contain thousands of harmful chemicals, such as benzene, formaldehyde, pesticides, nitrosamines and vinyl chloride.
- Cigarette smoking reduces the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. When oxygenation in all tissues of the body decreases, particularly in the lungs, the cells weaken and eventually die.
- This phenomenon exponentially increases the likelihood of lung damage occurring. In fact, when the lungs are not healthy, the defense mechanism against infectious agents, such as legionella, is compromised.
Step 3. Treat any disease that may affect the immune system
There is the possibility that other diseases are helping to create the right environment for the Legionella bacterium. If you suffer from chronic lung conditions, such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and bronchitis, there is a risk that the susceptibility to legionellosis increases.
- Since these diseases already compromise lung health, it is not difficult for Legionella to trigger a new infection. In fact, any pathology that weakens the immune system makes you vulnerable to the danger of legionellosis.
- Older age is also a factor that can also lead to an increased risk. Since vital functions undergo a general degenerative process in old age, the body runs a greater risk of developing Legionnaires' disease.
Step 4. Learn about the potential causes of legionellosis
It is imperative to know how to identify the conditions in which Legionella thrives, in order to prevent contagion (especially if the immune system is compromised).
- Legionella pneumophila is commonly found within water or aquatic systems, where amoebas are also present. To survive, the bacterium establishes a symbiotic relationship with this single-celled animal. Therefore, it can be found in:
- Air conditioning systems, hot water and foggers, cooling towers, evaporative coolers, humidifiers, wipers, air humidifiers, showers, whirlpools, fountains, ponds, streams.
- Keep in mind that there is a greater likelihood of Legionella infection in places where water is stagnant.
Method 2 of 3: Keep the Water Sources Clean
Step 1. Follow some basic rules
Follow general guidelines regarding the cleaning and maintenance of water sources in buildings and commercial areas. It is the most effective way to reduce the risk of the disease spreading on a larger scale, causing an epidemic.
- An important measure is the disinfection of water supplies, which can be done by overheating (70-80 ° C) or ionization with copper-silver (commercial method used in hospitals). In this case, hyperchloration is not considered an optimal method. For the proper prevention of legionellosis, in the United States the "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" (CDC) recommend the guidelines of the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) regarding the chemical treatment and the appropriate temperature water..
- The first step is to prevent the water from reaching temperatures between 20 and 45 ° C, as they favor the growth of Legionella bacteria.
Step 2. Avoid standing water
Legionella grows faster if undisturbed, so it chooses to live in standing water. For this reason, it is necessary to use water systems often to prevent water from stagnating.
- For example, it is good to use the water heater at least 3 times a week to avoid water stagnation inside.
- If you come home from a long vacation or for any reason you have not been able to use the water heater, put it on for a few minutes before using it.
Step 3. Clean areas where bacteria are potentially breeding as often as possible
When a water system becomes a thriving environment for bacteria, it is very likely that it promotes the proliferation of legionella. What it feeds on is made up of encrustations, rust, slime and organic substances. Therefore, it is important to frequently clean the areas where it has the possibility to reproduce, to reduce the chances of an outbreak.
- Change the water in the fountains at least once a week.
- Use the windshield wiper at least once a day to prevent water from pooling inside the tank.
- Hot tubs and swimming pools should be chemically treated to prevent the growth of bacteria. They should also be emptied regularly and the water changed at least once a month.
- When a patient, especially if he has lung problems, uses a humidifier, it is better to use sterile water instead of tap water.
- Check the showers for obvious signs of dirt. For example, when using the shower in a gym locker room, call the management's attention if you see rust or grime along the tile joints.
- Clean the air conditioning system at least two or three times a year, particularly if the system is large.
Method 3 of 3: Avoid Legionella in Companies
Step 1. Make sure all plumbing systems are properly maintained
Property owners or business owners should fulfill their legal obligations to ensure that all plumbing systems within the premises are properly maintained and operated.
- There are specific rules and requirements that must be respected in order to legally carry out work activities.
- You probably need to go to a water purification and treatment company if you don't have the skills, knowledge or skills to fulfill the legal obligation to ensure health and safety.
Step 2. Have water analysis tests performed to assess and manage risk
If you become aware of the presence of Legionella in your company's water system, you can correctly apply the prevention measures.
- It is necessary that the water withdrawal is carried out by an accredited laboratory or by the body in charge. Don't underestimate the importance of getting accurate results.
- The frequency of water withdrawal depends a lot on the type of water system. For an open loop system, it is recommended to run the tests at least once every 4 months or as needed.
- For a closed loop system, regular sampling is not necessary. However, in some cases there may be mandatory analyzes.
Advice
- It is good to discourage the use of hot tubs by children aged 5 and under. Their immune systems are not yet fully developed at this stage, so it is easier to contract Legionella and develop Legionnaires' disease.
- Pregnant women are also discouraged from using hot tubs, especially during the first trimester. Consult your doctor before using it.
- Before taking a trip on a cruise ship, do an investigation if you can. Learn about previously reported cases of people having pneumonia while on board. It could be a sign that the ship is a potential source of legionella contamination.
- Outbreaks of legionellosis can occur at any time of the year, although they mainly occur during the summer and early autumn.
Warnings
- If you have other diseases that can negatively affect the immune system - such as AIDS or cancer - you need to be very careful to prevent Legionnaires' disease.
- Legionellosis is life-threatening if not treated properly.
