In an ordinary family bathroom, Uncle Li enjoyed his night bath time as usual. The 70-year-old retiree has always considered bathing to be a daily habit of relaxation and cleanliness. However, just a month ago, Uncle Li suddenly developed a persistent cough and a slight fever, which lasted for a few days, leaving him confused and uneasy. After a series of medical tests, doctors told him that he had a form of atypical pneumonia called "ornithosis", a rare but serious respiratory disease. What shocked Uncle Li the most was that the doctor suspected that the disease might be related to his daily bathing habits.
This discovery surprised both Uncle Li and his family. How can taking a bath, such a seemingly safest and most everyday behavior, become a hidden health hazard?What is "ornithosis"?How is it associated with bathing?These problems not only plague Uncle Li, but also make us have to re-examine our daily habits.
Bathing is one of the most basic and important personal hygiene habits in our daily life. However, what you may not know is that in this seemingly mundane daily activity, there is a health risk lurking known as "bird disease".
What is "ornithosis"?
"Ornithopathy", medically known as atypical pneumonia, is a respiratory disease caused by a specific type of bacteria – Legionella. This bacterium is usually found in both natural water sources and man-made water systems, such as shower heads, air conditioning systems, etc. When people inhale water vapor or microdroplets that contain these bacteria, they can become infected with "ornithosis".
Symptoms of "ornithosis".
Symptoms of "ornithopathy" are similar to those of common pneumonia and include fever, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing。In some cases, patients may also experience symptoms such as muscle pain, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms may gradually worsen over a few days after infection.
How is it spread by bathing?
Transmission of "ornithosis" is mainly achieved by inhalation of water vapor or droplets containing Legionella bacteria. During bathing, especially when using a hot shower, the bacteria contained in the water vapor can be inhaled by the body and cause infection. Household shower heads or other water sources can become a breeding ground for Legionella if not cleaned and disinfected regularly.
How to identify and prevent "bird disease"?
The key to identifying and preventing "bird disease" is to understand and control potential sources of infection. In your home, it's essential to regularly clean and disinfect faucets and shower heads. If symptoms similar to "bird disease" appear, you should seek medical attention immediately for diagnosis and**.
Bathing, as one of the most common activities in our daily life, actually hides health risks that people overlook. A type of atypical pneumonia called ornithosis may, in some cases, be closely related to the environment in which we bathe.
"Bird disease" is caused by a specific type of bacteria, Legionella, which prefers to live in warm and moist environments, especially in the water pipes of homes or public shower facilities. When showering, the impact of the water stream can carry these bacteria into the air, forming tiny droplets that can be inhaled. This is why bathing can be a potential way for "bird disease" to spread.
It is important to note that not all showers can cause "bird disease". The occurrence of this disease is related to a variety of factors, such as the temperature of the shower water, the cleanliness of the water pipes, and the maintenance of the water. For example, Legionella bacteria tend to multiply in water with a temperature of around 20 to 45 degrees Celsius, which is exactly the temperature range of most domestic hot water systems. As a result, improper water pipe maintenance and cleaning may increase the growth of bacteria, which can increase the risk of infection.
In order to prevent "bird disease", the key is to keep the water source clean and properly controlled water temperature。Household users should regularly inspect and clean shower heads and water pipes to eliminate Legionella breeding grounds. At the same time, it is also important to maintain a proper water temperature and avoid bathing in excessively hot or cold water to reduce the likelihood of bacteria multiplying.
While bathing is an integral part of our daily lives, it's equally important to be aware of and prevent the potential health risks involved. With proper shower habits and equipment maintenance, we can effectively reduce the risk of "bird disease" and ensure the health and safety of ourselves and our families.
When it comes to preventive measures, we must start at two levels: household water sanitation and hygiene practices. It's not just about avoiding "bird disease", it's also about maintaining overall health.
Household water sanitation: Create a safe bathing environment
Water source inspection:Regularly inspect your home plumbing system to ensure that there are no leaks or stagnant water, as these environments can easily become breeding grounds for bacteria.
Clean the sink and showerhead: Clean your sink and shower at least once a week, using a cleaner that is commonly used in your home. This helps to remove bacteria and limescale, preventing bacteria from growing in faucets and showers.
Water temperature regulation: Bathe with a moderate water temperature. Not only can overheated water be detrimental, but some bacteria multiply more easily in hot water.
Replace the shower head regularly:Shower heads are a potential breeding ground for bacteria and are recommended to be replaced every one to two years to keep the water clean.
Personal hygiene: safety measures during bathing
Wash your hands before and after bathing: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after bathing to reduce the risk of germ transmission.
Avoid prolonged retention of water vapor: Turn on the exhaust fan or window immediately after bathing to reduce moisture in the bathroom, because the hot and humid environment can easily promote the growth of bacteria.
Use of personal towels and bath utensils:Towels and other personal bath utensils are not shared to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Timely treatment of wounds:If there are wounds or scratches on the body, they should be treated properly before bathing to avoid bacterial infection.
By taking these measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria during bathing. It is important to recognise that while "ornithosis" is a rare health risk, our daily habits are essential to prevent its spread. Maintaining cleanliness and paying attention to personal hygiene are essential steps to protect yourself and your family from multiple health threats.