What Is Legionnaires Disease?
4. Legionnaires Disease Risk Factors
Not everyone who is exposed to L. pneumophila ends up with the disease. The most common risk factor is smoking. The damage smoking causes to the lungs makes smokers more likely to contract Legionnaires disease. Individuals over the age of 50 are also at higher risk.
Various health conditions increase the likelihood of getting the disease after exposure to the bacteria. People with immune system deficiencies, cancer and chronic lung disease are more susceptible. Also vulnerable are those who have underlying conditions such as liver and kidney failure or diabetes.
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