14 Early Signs of Legionnaires Disease

2. Difficulty Breathing

Legionnaires Disease starts to affect the respiratory system first, and one of the first signs that you might have picked up the infection will be the start of symptoms like difficulty breathing more or less two weeks after you have been first exposed to some form of Legionella bacteria. If you have an existing condition such as asthma that’s already affecting your lungs, then the condition can affect your lungs further – and the damage can be much more serious.

For difficulty breathing, the best course of action is to visit the emergency room – and if you have any asthma medication such as an inhaler on hand, use it. This symptom will get worse if left untreated, and it can prove to be fatal if you have pre-existing lung conditions that already impair your breathing.

The symptom normally goes away as the infection does, but if not, make another appointment with your doctor.