Legionnaires' Disease FAQ
The risk of infection is based on two key factors: the number of legionellae reaching the body and the resistance of the individual. Young and healthy people can get Legionnaires’ disease, but persons who are immunocompromised either because of illness (e.g., cancer) or medical treatment (e.g., chemotherapy) are at a much higher risk because they can be infected by relatively low legionellae counts. HIV-infected patients, for example, have a 40-fold increased risk; organ transplant recipients have a 200-fold increased risk. Smokers, persons over 65 years of age, and heavy drinkers have a moderately higher risk.
Children have contracted Legionnaires' disease. Most cases have occurred in immunosuppressed children, but a number of immunocompetent children, particularly newborns, have acquired the disease, most often after surgeries, or through the use of legionellae-contaminated ventilators.
1. Visit The Centers for Disease Control for more information.
2. Click here to send your question to Matt Freije, author of the book Protect Yourself from Legionnaires' Disease: The waterborne illness that continues to kill and harm.
FAQ Warning and Disclaimer
This information does not constitute legal, medical, engineering, or other professional advice. If such expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Neither the author of this FAQ page nor HC Information Resources Inc. guarantees the accuracy, completeness, usefulness, or effectiveness of the material provided, and neither shall be liable for any damages, or in any event for incidental or consequential damages caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of any information disclosed.
Sign Up for Legionella e-News
You'll receive briefs on Legionnaires' disease outbreaks, new technologies for Legionella control, and other important, relevant news about 12 times a year!
Protect Yourself from Legionnaires' Disease
The waterborne illness that continues to kill and harm
You will see from survivors' stories just how horrible the disease is and find out how to avoid it in public and at home. Advice is given about water heaters, softeners, filters, humidifiers, and new home design and construction.
“This book has all the answers and the [survivor stories] really hit home. This is a major disease that needed this type of resource. It's been almost two years now and the one problem I still have is my memory; I am afraid that I will never get my memory back.” -- Steve Sederstrom, Legionnaires' survivor
More Information
Copyright © 2013 HC Information Resources Inc. All rights reserved.