Which demographic is at high risk for Legionnaires' Disease in hospital settings?

Older adults and those with compromised health conditions are at high risk for Legionnaires' Disease in hospital settings due to several factors. As individuals age, their immune systems tend to weaken, making it more difficult for them to fight off infections. Additionally, patients with compromised health conditions—such as chronic lung diseases, immune system disorders, or other serious health problems—are also more susceptible to infections, including pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.

In hospital environments, where patients may already be vulnerable due to their medical conditions, the potential for exposure to Legionella increases. Factors such as the presence of water systems that may harbor the bacteria and the management of those systems play a crucial role in health care facilities. Understanding this demographic’s increased risk is essential for implementing effective prevention strategies to protect these patients from infections like Legionnaires' Disease.