What should you know about legionnaires pneumonia?

People may develop fever, chills, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, cough and breathlessness. The cough may produce phlegm, and chest discomfort can occur. Legionella exposure is linked to contaminated water systems, such as inadequately maintained showers, cooling systems or hot tubs; it does not usually spread between people. Symptoms can resemble influenza or other forms of pneumonia, so a clinician may use an examination and tests to identify the cause.

Arrange urgent medical advice if these symptoms develop, especially after travel, a hotel stay, healthcare exposure or contact with a large water system. Treatment usually involves prescription antibiotics chosen by a clinician. Rest, fluids and monitoring your breathing can support recovery, but do not delay assessment or use leftover antibiotics.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down or rapidly worsening weakness. Fever with a worsening cough or breathlessness also warrants same-day assessment because pneumonia can progress and may lead to sepsis.

Ask which tests are needed, whether Legionella exposure is possible, which antibiotic is suitable, how to monitor breathing, and when a review is required.