True or False: Only smokers or those who are immunocompromised are at risk for Legionnaires' disease.

The statement is false because Legionnaires' disease can affect a wide range of individuals, not just smokers or those who are immunocompromised. While certain populations, such as smokers, individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions, are at higher risk for developing severe illness from Legionella bacteria, they are not the only groups susceptible to infection.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria, which can thrive in water systems. In fact, anyone can contract the disease if they inhale aerosolized water droplets containing the bacteria. Therefore, it is important to recognize that various factors such as exposure to contaminated water sources, environmental conditions, and individual health status can play a role in susceptibility to Legionnaires' disease.

The other options, which limit the risk to specific groups like only the elderly or hospital patients, further emphasize the misconception that only certain demographics are at risk. In reality, Legionnaires' disease can impact otherwise healthy individuals as well, highlighting the need for broader public health awareness and prevention strategies.