Worried about Legionella?
Plain-English answers for tenants, the public and anyone who has heard the word and wants to know what it means for them. This is general information, not medical advice, for health concerns, contact NHS 111 or your GP.
Am I at risk?
Legionnaires’ disease is caught by breathing in tiny droplets of contaminated water, not from drinking it or from another person. Most healthy people exposed do not fall ill; risk is higher with age, smoking and a weakened immune system.
I feel unwell after possible exposure
This site is background information, not medical advice. If you have a fever, cough or breathing problems and think you may have been exposed, contact NHS 111 or your GP and mention the possible exposure, early treatment matters.
I rent, and I’m worried about my home
Landlords have a duty to assess and control Legionella risk in rented homes, though most domestic systems are low risk if water is used regularly. Here is what landlords must do and what you can reasonably ask.
I manage a building and something’s wrong
If you are responsible for a building and have a positive sample or a suspected case, there are time-critical steps to take.
"Legionella & Legionnaires' disease: plain-English help for the public." Legionella.io. https://legionella.io/public/
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