Those at Risk
Generally, healthy people between the ages of 20 and 50 are not likely to suffer from severe complications of LD. Many middle aged people with no other health problems do not even notice that they got infected with Legionella bacteria because their strong immune system fights off the bacteria before they grow to problematic numbers and become LD. Unfortunately, some segments of the population are not as lucky.
Immunocompromised people are more likely to develop LD after a Legionella exposure because their immune system is not capable of fighting off the condition. People with weakened immune systems are often seniors; starting at the age of 50, LD risk increases and continues to rise with age. A weakened immune system can occur among those with certain severe health problems, including cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, liver failure, or kidney problems. People who have weakened lungs due to a current or past history of smoking or another severe respiratory condition are also more likely to get LD.
