NOT A SNAKE, this is the "killer" that can come out of your air conditioner👇

This is not a snake, this is the "assassin" that can come out of the air conditioner at home

Recently, news of a 7-year-old girl in critical condition after being bitten by a cobra that crawled out of an air conditioner caused widespread concern. But there's an even more dangerous "assassin" that could be crawling out of your air conditioner at home.

Legionella: The Deadly Stalker in Your Air Conditioner

Legionella is a bacterium that thrives in warm, humid conditions (between 25-42°C). It is spread through aerosolized water droplets and, if inhaled, can cause the serious illness Legionnaires' disease.

It is a master of disguise — the initial symptoms of Legionella infection resemble those of the flu (fever, cough), which easily leads to misdiagnosis!

The disease can develop into severe pneumonia within 48 hours, leading to respiratory failure and multiple organ damage, with a mortality rate of up to 10-30%!

People with weakened immune systems (elderly people, smokers, and patients with chronic diseases) are most at risk.

Where does legionella hide?

Legionella is common in air conditioners that have not been cleaned for a long time, as well as in public hot springs, unused showers, fountains, and humidifiers that are not cleaned regularly, all of which can spread the bacteria into the air.

Watch out for these warning signs

Symptoms can appear 2 to 10 days after infection and may include: high fever (over 39°C), severe cough, chest pain (even coughing up blood), difficulty breathing, and confusion.

Note:  Common antibiotics (such as penicillin) are ineffective against this disease, and delayed treatment can be fatal!

How to protect yourself from legionella bacteria

• Cleaning equipment and water sources:  Clean air conditioners regularly. Before each year of using the air conditioner, hire a professional for a thorough cleaning. Usually, the filter is removed every month and washed with hot water above 70°C and neutral detergent. Pay attention to cleaning water sources - clean dirt and sediment from unused faucets or showers, and rinse stored water before use. Change the water in humidifiers every day and disinfect with diluted chlorine disinfectant at least once a week.

• Preventive measures when going out and when feeling unwell:  Be careful when visiting public places, choose those with good hygiene, and disinfect frequently if you use hot springs. Wear a mask and gloves when working with soil or gardening. Be alert to physical symptoms; if you suddenly develop a high fever, cough, or diarrhea after using air conditioning or a bath, seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor about the situation.