Dr. Tom Makin is very careful to protect himself and his family from legionella, the pathogen that causes legionnaires’ disease. Legionella often lives in the stagnant water that collects in shower heads when they aren’t used for a while. This means that unused shower heads, as well as lawn sprinkler systems, can cause a dangerous infection. Symptoms can include chest pains, difficult breathing and flu-like symptoms. The best way to avoid this is to turn the water temperature up high and then run the water for about twenty minutes as soon as you get home, making sure not to inhale the steam.

Key Takeaways:

• Legionella are a type of bacteria that can be found in stagnant water and can be inhaled causing serious medical problems.
• Shower heads and hoses that aren’t used for an extended period are the perfect locations for this bacteria to live.
• It is recommended to run showers or hoses for 20 minutes, while staying away from that area, in order for the bacteria to be flushed out of the system.

“The ritual has nothing to do with superstition or obsessive behaviour, but is instead designed to protect Dr Makin and his family, inhaling potentially lethal bacteria called legionella that thrive in the stagnant water which collects in domestic shower heads when they are unused for anything more than a few days.”

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/15/doctor-says-run-shower-20-minutes-holiday-10313055/