Every year, countless travelers eagerly plan their ideal getaway. People’s vacation destination preference differs. Some may decide to go to a top rated hotel or vacation destination, some might reside to experience the luxury of cruise ships, or simply unwind in a spa. Yet, there’s a health risk that lays low in these vacation destination, which is the legionnaires’ disease, caused by the Legionella bacteria.
For many, the thought of getting sick on vacation seems like a distant possibility, but Legionnaires’ disease had proven to be a threat that can turn your relaxing escape into a health crisis. In the U.S., Europe, and Australia, it affects approximately 10-15 people per million each year. This disease is often contracted from breathing in tiny droplets from sources like hot tubs, showers, and the likes of it. Once that happens, it makes breathing difficult as the bacteria multiplies in the body, causing inflammation and pus/fluid-filled lungs. Nevertheless, let’s look at ways to treat and prevent legionnaires’ disease.
Treatment of Legionnaires’ Disease
Firstly, if you start having the Legionnaires’ disease symptoms, you need to see a doctor right away before the symptoms worsen. This infection can worsen quickly, and starting early treatment is the secret to a quick recovery.
Since Legionnaires’ disease is caused by bacteria, doctors use antibiotics to fight the infection. There are common antibiotics like azithromycin or levofloxacin, which are known to work well against this specific bacteria. The treatment period is usually 1-2 weeks, however, it can be longer depending on how serious the infection is.
For many patients, they may need supportive care like being placed on oxygen to help them breathe better. They can also be given fever reducers, pain relievers, and fluids to keep the body hydrated. If the infection is serious, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a close watch.
Prevention of Legionnaires’ Disease
Public Health Measures
First and foremost, there’s a need for regular disinfection of large water systems, like those in buildings, hotels, and cruise ships. That’s because regular disinfection can kill the Legionella bacteria and prevent it from spreading. Water can be disinfected with chemicals like chlorine which will help stop bacteria from growing and spreading.
Also the water system has to be maintained. This includes cleaning and flushing pipes, hot tubs, cooling towers, and other water sources where Legionella might grow. Then routine testing of water quality should be conducted. This will help catch the Legionella bacteria early and quick treatment will be used to stop the spread of the bacteria and reduce the chances of people becoming sick.
Individual Precautions
While the public has a lot of role to play in the prevention of Legionnaires’ Disease so people don’t have to deal with it in the first place, it is your duty to protect yourself from illnesses as much as you can.
If you know a water source may be at risk of contamination, it’s best you avoid them. Steer clear of such water sources in order to reduce the risk of breathing the contaminated water droplets.
Washing hands often, especially after you touch a public surface or use the public restrooms, will help remove any potential bacteria. Also, you need to practice eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep. These habits will help you have a strong immune system that’ll be able to fight off infections, including those caused by Legionella bacteria.
Conclusion
Each year the legionnaires’ disease affects 10-25 people per million in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Its symptoms can escalate quickly which means that once you contract it, you need to see a doctor right away. In order to prevent the Legionella bacteria from spreading in water systems, you need to disinfect these systems, practice good hygiene, eat well, and avoid places with unclean water systems.
