When you get a runny nose, you probably associate it with allergies or the start of a cold. Even flu symptoms are pretty easy to identify. However, what about the symptoms in less common illnesses like Legionnaires disease? Do you know what the symptoms are or even how you can contract the disease? With a reported 1.16% increase in Legionnaires disease incident rates in the Houston area, it’s a good idea to know a little bit about this respiratory infection.
Common Causes of Legionnaires Disease
Before we get into the causes of Legionnaires disease, it helps to know what it is. Legionnaires disease is a form of pneumonia affecting your respiratory system. The symptoms of Legionnaires disease are also similar to pneumonia. You may exhibit a fever, have trouble breathing, feel constantly fatigued, Experience a cough, muscle aches, and pain.
The bacterium Legionella pneumophila is responsible for causing the disease. The bacteria live in both the soil and water. While infections from contaminated soil are extremely rare, the same can’t be said about water. Manmade water supplies are especially susceptible to Legionella bacteria.
The infection is caused by inhaling water droplets or mist. You can also contract the disease through aspiration. This occurs when water gets into your lungs. For example, you choke on a drink of water that’s contaminated with bacteria.
So, how does Legionnaires disease spread? You can come into contact with legionella bacteria in a shower or from tap water. Even water dripping from a ventilation system can contain bacteria. Other Houston-area Legionnaires disease outbreaks occur in,
- Hot tubs and whirlpools
- Cooling towers in air conditioning systems
- Hot water tanks and heaters
- Decorative fountains
- Swimming pools
While not as common, birthing pools can also be a source of contamination. This is not only potentially dangerous for the expectant mother, but also the fetus, and anyone else near the birthing pool. Remember, the disease is spread through water mist and droplets. You don’t need to drink the water to contract Legionnaires disease. Simply inhaling water vapor can be enough to result in a positive diagnosis.
Potential Health Complications
As we mentioned earlier, Legionnaires disease shares several of the same symptoms associated with pneumonia. These symptoms can also quickly turn into serious and potentially fatal health complications. This is why treating Legionnaires disease in the early stages is often critical for making a full recovery. Antibiotics are the preferred treatment plan.
So, what health complications can you experience from Legionnaires disease?
Respiratory failure. When your lungs are unable to provide vital organs and systems in your body with oxygen, you can go into respiratory failure. This can also occur when there isn’t enough oxygen to remove the carbon dioxide from your blood.
Septic shock. A sudden decrease in your blood pressure can result in septic shock. Your blood pressure is dropping due to reduced blood flow to your vital organs like your brain and kidneys. Your heart tries to compensate for the loss in blood flow, but the exertion can weaken your heart leading to other complications. When your heart weakens, blood flow also decreases adding to the initial health problem.
Another common health complication caused by Legionnaires disease is kidney failure. This is often caused by septic shock. Your kidneys aren’t able to remove waste from your bloodstream, allowing it to accumulate to potentially life-threatening levels. If kidney failure isn’t immediately addressed, it can be fatal.
Who’s At Risk For Legionnaires Disease
Simply coming into contact with the bacteria doesn’t always mean you’re going to come down with Legionnaires disease. While individuals aren’t immune to the bacteria, some people are less likely to contract the disease.
Who’s at a higher risk for contracting Legionnaires disease? If you’re over the age of 50, your risk naturally increases. Older adults and young children can be especially susceptible to legionella bacteria. Chronic smokers are also at a greater risk. Smoking weakens the lungs and this can place you at a greater risk for catching an infection. This also applies to anyone dealing with emphysema or another type of chronic lung disease.
Anyone diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or another type of immunodeficiency virus will want to pay attention to any signs or symptoms indicating that may have contracted Legionnaires disease. Some medications like ones designed to prevent organ rejection after a transplant can also increase your risk of developing Legionnaires disease.
Lowering Your Risk for Legionnaires Disease
You can take a few steps to decrease your risk of contracting Legionnaires disease. Stopping smoking is a good start. You also want to keep up with water system maintenance. Sometimes, maintenance is the easiest way to prevent a Legionnaires disease outbreak.