How to avoid Legionnaires' disease
You cannot get Legionnaires’ disease from drinking water. You can catch Legionnaires' disease by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in the air, which contain the bacteria.
The bacteria have to be in very small droplets like spray from a shower or spray taps. In domestic properties the risk of Legionnaires' disease is rated as low risk, but some people may be more prone to catching it -
- over the age of 45
- smokers and heavy drinkers
- those suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease
- people whose immune system is impaired
- those suffering from long term illness