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Legionnaires' disease

Overview

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You can get Legionnaires' disease by breathing in water droplets containing bacteria. It's usually caught in places like hotels or offices.

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease can be similar to flu. They can include a cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain and a high temperature.

Legionnaires' disease is treated with antibiotics, and sometimes oxygen or a machine to help with breathing. You may need to be treated in hospital.

Legionnaires' disease is an uncommon but serious lung infection. It's caused by bacteria in things like air conditioning.

Page last reviewed: 21/07/2023
Next review due: 21/07/2026