Does Legionnaires’ Disease Go Away By Itself?

Legionnaires’ disease is an infection of the lungs caused by inhaling water droplets from air conditioners or hot tubs.

The symptoms appear two to fourteen days after exposure to Legionella. Legionnaires’ disease can make you very sick.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever (often over 104⁰F/40⁰C), dry cough, shortness of breath, confusion, coughing up blood and Stomach pain.

Does Legionnaires’ Disease Go Away By Itself?

Legionnaires’ disease does not go away by itself. Untreated Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal.

Antibiotics are used to treat Legionnaires’ disease. Antibiotics can be administered intravenously (IV) or as a pill that you swallow.

The following antibiotics are used to treat Legionnaires’ disease: Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or levofloxacin. Minocycline, tetracycline, or doxycycline.

Extra oxygen may also be administered through a tube in your nose or a mask. In severe cases, you may need to have a machine breathe for you until you can do so again

Although prompt treatment with antibiotics usually cures Legionnaires’ disease, some people continue to have problems after treatment.