Are you also suffering from a fever like this? Let's talk about Pontiac Fever!

There are days when you just don't feel well. You have a slight fever, your body aches, and your head feels heavy. You don't feel like eating or drinking. Most of the time, we think, "Oh... this is probably just a common cold." But sometimes, there can be a slightly different illness that shows these symptoms, but we haven't heard much about it. One such illness is Pontiac fever . Don't worry, we'll talk about it in detail today.

What is Pontiac Fever? Simply put...

Simply put, Pontiac fever is a cold-like illness that occurs when a bacteria called Legionella enters your respiratory system, that is, your airways. It is actually a mild, less severe form of the larger disease called legionellosis.

You've probably heard of Legionnaires' disease . That's the most severe form of legionellosis. It can also cause pneumonia , which is a bit more serious. But the good news is that Pontiac fever isn't as severe, and it doesn't cause pneumonia. So there's nothing to worry about.

Sometimes you hear in the newspaper or on TV that in one place, say a large hotel or an office, several people have contracted legionellosis. That's what we call 'outbreaks' in English, meaning the spread of the disease all at once. But most of the time, Pontiac fever occurs sporadically. That means it affects each person individually. Also, it doesn't happen to everyone, especially those with certain health conditions. We'll talk about that later.

What are the symptoms of this? How does it feel?

Okay, now let's see what symptoms we experience when we develop Pontiac fever. These are often similar to the symptoms of a common cold.

• Fever: Feeling hot, perhaps even having a fever if you look at the temperature chart.
• Body pain: As if you're really tired, your muscles hurt.
• Headache: A severe headache may occur.
• Chills: A sudden feeling of coldness, as if the body is shivering.
• Tiredness (fatigue) or lack of energy (malaise): A feeling of not wanting to do anything and just wanting to stay in bed.

These are the most common symptoms. However, sometimes there are other minor symptoms that may occur, but they are less common:

• Dizziness or vertigo: You may feel like you are spinning around when you are standing.
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia): Eyes appear blue when exposed to light, such as sunlight.
• Neck stiffness: It is a feeling of stiffness, making it a little difficult to move the neck.
• Inability to focus on one goal, confusion: A slight confusion about what to do and where to be.
• Stomach upset: This means that nausea , vomiting , and diarrhea can also occur rarely.

Why do we get this Pontiac Fever? What is the cause?

The only cause of Pontiac fever is a bacteria called Legionella. This bacteria is actually present in our environment, that is, it is something that is naturally present. This bacteria is present in the water of lakes, streams, rivers, and even in moist soil.

But, the problem is if this bacteria gets into the water systems we use, especially the air conditioning systems and water tanks of large buildings. Then those water systems get contaminated with this bacteria. That's when we start to worry about it.

How does this Legionella bacteria get into our bodies?

Now you're probably wondering how this bacteria gets into our bodies, right? Most of the time, this happens when we breathe in something like a mist that contains tiny water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria. Think of it like a small drop of water. It's when it gets inside our nose or mouth that we get sick.

There are several places where we can breathe in water mist containing Legionella bacteria. It's good to be a little aware of these:

• Shower heads: If we have this bacteria in the water coming out of the shower.
• Faucets: Water taps located in the sink or elsewhere.
• Commercial air conditioning systems: From large AC systems in large offices, shopping malls, and hotels. But it is said that this does not come from ACs in homes or car ACs. So don't worry about it.
• Windshield wiper fluid: Especially if you add too much water to it and not the proper wiper fluid.
• Hot tubs: The hot water in these tubs can cause bacteria to grow.
• Decorative water features: Fountains in gardens and inside large buildings.
• Water tanks and heaters: If these are not properly maintained.
• Large plumbing systems: Complex plumbing systems, especially those found in large buildings.

Rarely, this bacteria can be found in the water we drink and it can also cause respiratory problems if it gets stuck in our throat (aspirating) , which means "going down the wrong pipe" or more naturally, "going down the wrong pipe". (Correction: "자못못못못못못못로 로

Correction: Rarely, this bacteria can be found in the water we drink and get stuck in our throat (aspirating) , which means going down the wrong pipe , and into the respiratory system. (Correction again, the previous correction still had Korean. The idea is "when water 'goes down the wrong pipe'").

Correction (again): Rarely, this bacteria can be found in the water we drink, and if that water gets stuck in our throat and goes the wrong way (aspirating) , that is, into the respiratory tract, it can also develop.

Is Pontiac Fever contagious from person to person?

This is also a question that many people ask. If you get this disease, can you spread it to other people? No, Pontiac fever is not contagious. That means you don't have to worry about spreading it to your family or friends if you get it. It is only spread by breathing in water mist containing the bacteria, as mentioned earlier.

Who is more likely to develop Pontiac Fever? (Risk Factors)

In fact, not everyone gets sick from inhaling Legionella bacteria. Our immune system fights it off. But some people are more likely to develop it (risk factors). Let's take a look at who is at higher risk:

• For smokers or former smokers: Smoking weakens the lungs.
• For those over 50: Immunity may decrease slightly as you age.
• For those with a compromised immune system: This means people with diseases like HIV/AIDS, or those who are taking cancer medication, which reduces their immunity.
• For those with certain chronic diseases: For example:
• Cancer
• Long-term lung diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease (kidney failure)
• Liver disease (liver failure)

It's better for people like this to be a little more careful than others.

How does a doctor accurately identify Pontiac Fever?

Okay, if you have symptoms like this, like fever and body aches, how does a doctor know for sure that it's Pontiac fever? Because these symptoms can be similar to a lot of other illnesses, like the common cold or dengue fever.

A doctor may use tests like these:

• Lab tests:
• You can test your urine to see if there are any traces of Legionella bacteria.
• Or a sample of sputum from the lungs can be taken and tested for Legionella bacteria. Sometimes the sputum sample is also cultured in the lab to see if the bacteria grow.
• Chest X-ray: This is done to check for pneumonia . As we mentioned earlier, pneumonia does not occur in Pontiac fever. So if the X-ray does not show pneumonia, it is more likely to be Pontiac fever (given other symptoms).
• PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test: This is a slightly more complex test. It can detect even the smallest amount of genetic material from the bacteria in your respiratory fluids (for example, mucus).

However, because these symptoms are similar to many other illnesses, such as the flu and the common cold, many of these tests are not done. Especially if there is an outbreak of legionellosis in your area or somewhere you have been, then doctors are more likely to suspect this and do these tests.

What are the treatments for this? Do I need medication to get better?

This is great news for you! Most of the time, Pontiac fever doesn't require any special treatment. That means you don't need to take any medication. It gets better on its own in a few days, usually about a week. It comes and goes like a common cold.

However, for the severe cases of legionellosis, like Legionnaires' disease, which we mentioned earlier, doctors prescribe antibiotics . But for Pontiac fever, that's usually not necessary.

So what can you do about this at home?

So if you develop this illness, and you don't want to go to a doctor, what can you do at home to ease this discomfort?

• Get plenty of rest: Your body is feeling sluggish and tired, so get plenty of sleep and rest.
• Drink water and fluids: Since your body loses a lot of water when you have a fever, drink plenty of water, fruit juice, and porridge.
• Pain relievers and fever reducers: Over-the- counter pain relievers like paracetamol and fever reducers can be used for headaches, body aches, and fevers, and can be used only under the advice of a doctor. However, do not give aspirin to young children.

Remember, if you don't feel better after a few days of doing these things, or if the pain seems to be getting worse, definitely see a doctor.

Is Pontiac Fever dangerous? Can it be fatal?

This is also something that many people are afraid of. No, Pontiac fever is not a fatal disease. It is not a dangerous condition. As mentioned before, it usually gets better on its own within a week or so without any special treatment. So don't be too scared about it.

How can you prevent Pontiac Fever?

The best thing to do is to prevent it before it happens. So how can we reduce the incidence of Pontiac fever? There are small things we can all do.

Things you can do at home:

• Always keep your shower heads and faucets clean. Don't let them get dirty or rusty.
• If you use hot tubs , keep them clean by adding chemicals such as chlorine to the water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• If you use humidifiers , clean them regularly and change the water. Don't keep old water.
• Don't just use tap water instead of windshield wiper fluid. It's best to use the wiper fluid that comes with your car .

What managers of large buildings can do:

The management of large buildings, hotels, and offices should also be concerned about this.

• The water systems and ventilation systems of those buildings, especially the cooling towers, need to be properly maintained.
• These systems should be disinfected regularly, paying special attention to areas where Legionella bacteria can grow.

When should I see a doctor?

Pontiac fever usually resolves on its own, so you don't always need to see a doctor. However, it's a good idea to see a doctor if:

• If you have news of an outbreak of legionellosis, including Legionnaires' disease (for example, at your workplace or at a hotel you have stayed at), and you also have symptoms of Pontiac fever, be sure to talk to a doctor.
• The doctor can then help you manage your symptoms and decide if you need antibiotics or other treatments.
• If there is no improvement after a few days of home treatment, or if the illness seems to be getting worse.

When do you need to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) ?

This is very important. Although Pontiac fever is usually not dangerous, it can rarely be something else, or the symptoms can be severe. If you have any of these symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ER) without delay, or in Sri Lanka, call the 1990 Suwaseriya Ambulance Service:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• New or worsening chest pain
• Confusion or inability to think clearly
• High fever (temperature greater than 40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Bluish or grayish skin, lips or nails (cyanosis) - This means that the body is not getting enough oxygen.

If you have these symptoms, it could be something more serious than Pontiac fever, so prompt treatment is essential.

Finally, the most important thing

When you see news about illnesses caused by Legionella bacteria, especially Legionnaires' disease, in the newspapers or on TV, you may feel scared. "Oh, could this happen to me?" you may think.

But it will be a great relief to remember that Pontiac fever is not a very common condition, and it is not a serious condition .

The most important thing is to be aware. If you have been exposed to Legionella in a place where you work or stay, talk to your doctor about your risk and the symptoms you may experience. Don't panic, it's wise to be aware of these things and be careful. Wishing you good health!

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