What should you know about legionella pneumonia?

Legionella bacteria can multiply in water systems and spread when contaminated water is inhaled as a fine mist. The infection is not usually passed between people. It can inflame the air sacs in the lungs, making it harder for oxygen to move into the blood.

Symptoms may include fever, chills, cough, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, nausea or diarrhoea. A cough may be dry or may bring up phlegm. These symptoms can overlap with other causes of pneumonia, influenza and COVID-19, so testing and clinical assessment help guide treatment.

Arrange medical advice promptly if you have a fever with cough, breathing difficulty or marked weakness, especially after possible exposure to a building water system, spa or cooling equipment. A clinician may check your oxygen level, listen to your chest and request a chest X-ray, blood tests or a urine or respiratory sample.

Treatment commonly involves prescription antibiotics chosen for Legionella and the severity of the illness. Take them exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course unless the prescriber changes it. Rest, drink fluids if you can, and avoid smoking. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share medicine.

Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, inability to stay awake, or chest pain that is severe or worsening. Urgent assessment is also needed if you cannot keep fluids down, your symptoms rapidly worsen, or you have a serious long-term heart, lung or immune condition.

Pneumonia can occasionally lead to sepsis, a dangerous response to infection. A very fast deterioration, unusually cold or clammy skin, or passing very little urine needs immediate medical attention.

Ask which tests are needed, whether Legionella is suspected, how to take the antibiotic, what side effects require a call, and how to monitor breathing and recovery at home. Mention recent travel, hotel stays, hospital care, spa use or work around water aerosols.