Controlling Exposure to Bacteria

In this video, I show exactly how I treat the showerhead while staying in a rental condo—a practical tip that some of you may find helpful for travel or even as a long-term solution at home. 

How I Stay Safe from Waterborne Pathogens—Even in a Rental Shower

These kinds of precautions might not be necessary for everyone, and they’re always best discussed with your healthcare provider.That said, if you’ve been told, “You can’t really avoid waterborne exposure,” or “There’s nothing you can do in a rental,” I invite you to see for yourself. You be the judge!

Why This Matters: Insights from Dr. Joseph Falkinham on Shower Safety

Dr. Joseph Falkinham—an environmental microbiologist and one of the leading researchers on nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)—has spent decades studying how these bacteria, including Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), thrive in household water systems.

🔬Key Takeaways from Dr. Falkinham’s Research

• NTM bacteria are commonly found in biofilms inside household plumbing, especially showerheads.
  
  
• When the shower is turned on, these biofilms release aerosolized droplets, making it possible to inhale NTM directly into the lungs.
  
  
• Plastic showerheads tend to harbor more biofilm than metal ones.
  
  
• Shower water temperatures below 125°F (51.6°C) create the perfect environment for MAC bacteria to survive and multiply.
  
  
• Chlorine-resistant bacteria like NTM are not eliminated by standard municipal water treatment.
  
  

🧠 “NTM are opportunistic pathogens. For people with underlying lung conditions like bronchiectasis, avoiding aerosolized exposure from contaminated water sources is critical,” says Dr. Falkinham.

💡 What You Can Do in a Rental House

• Remove the showerhead
• Treating the showerhead with disinfectant
• Running hot water before entering the shower (with open window and fan on)
• Redirecting the spray to minimize aerosol exposure

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Let’s Grow the BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis YouTube Channel—Together!

I’ve created over 100 free videos on the BE CLEAR YouTube channel to make helpful, accurate, and empowering information available to people living with bronchiectasis all over the world.

One of the best features of YouTube is its built-in translation tools, making my content accessible to viewers in multiple languages. Whether you’re watching for yourself—or your dog enjoys the soothing sounds while you’re out running errands—every single view, share, and subscription helps the channel grow.

🎯 My goal: Reach 3,000 total watch hours so I can begin earning from the platform—and reinvest into creating even more educational content.

🙏 How You Can Help:

• ✔️ Subscribe to the channel
• 👍 Like & share videos you find helpful
• 💬 Comment with questions or requests
• ▶️ Let videos run in the background while you do chores
• 🐾 Let your pet binge-watch too—every minute counts!
  
  

👉 Visit the BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis Channel

🧠 Final Thoughts

Staying safe doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require intention. With a little preparation and some trusted guidance, you can take small steps that make a big difference—whether you’re at home or on the go. I hope this video gives you something actionable, empowering, and even a little hopeful.