How can I prevent Legionnaires' disease at home?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Legionnaires' disease prevention at home focuses on controlling Legionella bacteria in water systems. Key steps include:

Clean and disinfect hot tubs, humidifiers, and decorative fountains regularly according to manufacturer guidelines.
Flush unused faucets and showerheads weekly to prevent stagnant water buildup.
Maintain water heaters at 140°F (60°C) to inhibit bacterial growth.
Descale showerheads and faucet aerators every few months.
Use antimicrobial materials, such as copper-doped surfaces, which have been shown to reduce bacterial colonization.

Because Legionnaires' disease shares symptoms with pneumonia and the flu—fever, cough, muscle aches, and shortness of breath—it's easy to misinterpret early warning signs. If you're feeling unwell and unsure whether your symptoms could point to Legionnaires' or something else, take a few minutes to complete a free, instant, online symptom check. It's a smart, private way to better understand what may be going on and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if you need care for Legionnaires' disease Discover likely causes of your symptoms See if your symptoms suggest pneumonia Find OTC relief for fever and cough Find doctors for pneumonia and lung infections Learn home remedies for cough and fever Understand if Legionnaires' disease is serious

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Explanation

Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria that can grow in water systems. To prevent it at home, it's important to keep water systems clean. This includes regularly cleaning hot tubs, showers, and faucets. Here are some steps to help prevent Legionnaires' disease:

Regular Cleaning: Make sure to clean and disinfect water systems like hot tubs and showers.
Water Temperature: Keep hot water heaters set to a temperature that is too hot for bacteria to grow, but be careful to avoid scalding.
Use of Materials: Consider using materials that are less likely to support bacteria growth, such as copper-doped surfaces, which have been shown to have a biocidal effect.

By following these steps, you can help reduce the risk of Legionnaires' disease in your home. If you're experiencing any concerning respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, or shortness of breath, check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing them. Regular maintenance and using the right materials can make a big difference in keeping your water systems safe.

(References)

Shelton BG, Kerbel W, Witherell L, & Millar JD. (2000). Review of Legionnaires' disease. AIHAJ : a journal for the science of occupational and environmental health and safety, 11071427.
Islam MA, Hassen WM, Ishika I, Tayabali AF, & Dubowski JJ. (2022). Selective Detection of Legionella pneumophila Serogroup .... Biosensors, 35200365.
Oder M, Koklič T, Umek P, Podlipec R, Štrancar J, & Dobeic M. (2020). Photocatalytic biocidal effect of copper doped TiO2 .... PloS one, 31940328.

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