Air conditioning systems can become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria if not properly maintained. Legionella pneumophila, the leading bacterium among these, can multiply in the humidification systems or water tanks of air conditioners, reach our lungs through the air, and cause a serious type of pneumonia called Legionnaires' Disease.
What is Legionnaires' Disease?
Legionnaires' disease is a type of lung infection. It is transmitted by inhaling water droplets (aerosols) containing the bacteria through air conditioning. It is not transmitted from person to person; however, it can affect many people using the same ventilation system at the same time.
What Are the Symptoms?
The disease usually appears 2 to 10 days after exposure to air conditioning with the following symptoms:
• High fever and chills,
• Dry cough,
• Widespread muscle and joint pain,
• Severe headache,
• Sometimes shortness of breath, diarrhea, or confusion.
How to Protect Ourselves from the Danger Coming from Air Conditioning?
1. Regular Maintenance and Filter Cleaning:
Periodically cleaning or replacing your air conditioner's filters is the most fundamental rule to prevent bacteria accumulation. In central air conditioning systems, disinfection of water systems should be performed by professional teams.
2. Ideal Temperature Setting:
Instead of using the air conditioner at extreme cold (such as 18-19 degrees), setting it to a level 7-8 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature (ideally 23-24 degrees) prevents the body's resistance from dropping.
3. Avoid Direct Airflow:
Being directly exposed to the cold air of the air conditioner paves the way for infection by paralyzing the defense mechanisms in the respiratory tract. Direct the airflow toward the ceiling or an empty space.
4. Ventilate the Environment:
Ventilating air-conditioned environments naturally (by opening windows) at certain intervals increases indoor air quality and reduces bacterial density.
Who is at Risk?
Smokers, the elderly, those with chronic lung disease (COPD, asthma), and individuals with weak immune systems are more susceptible to Legionnaires' disease.
What to Do?
If you have complaints such as fever, cough, and fatigue that start after exposure to air conditioning, you should not see this as a simple "common cold" and should consult a specialist without losing time.
Medical Review and Approval:
Chest Diseases
Spec. Dr. Esin ÇELİKER
We wish you healthy days.
