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If you are lucky enough to go on holiday for a week or two this summer there is something you should do when you get home (before all the laundry!) that will reduce your risk of contracting Legionnaires Disease. Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling droplets of water which contain the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can multiply in stagnant water for instance when you are on holiday and your taps and shower aren’t being used daily. Legionnaires disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection, but some people are at higher risk including:
· people over 45
· smokers and heavy drinkers
· people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, diabetes, lung and heart disease
· anyone with an impaired immune system

On your return, flush the whole system for two minutes or more.
First, flush your toilet, then run the kitchen taps, and then any hand basin taps for at least two minutes and let both hot and cold water pass through. Run both hot and cold supplies for your shower, for at least two minutes before using them to clear any sitting water.
Run the showerhead into a bucket of water, or into a bath full of water, to avoid spray escaping into the room.
Symptoms of Legionnaires disease include a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort when breathing, a high temperature, flu-like symptoms. If you think you may have contracted Legionnaires Disease please see medical attention.