MAC Exposure Precautions When Traveling

Many in the bronchiectasis community follow the guidance of microbiologist Dr. Joseph Falkinham. He runs an NTM laboratory at Virginia Tech and advises us on how to cut down our exposure to MAC. He suggests that if we are heading to a hotel, cruise cabin or second home, we flushed the lines by running the water or preferably by having someone else run the water.

Here’s an excerpt from one of his guidance papers:

“Flush and Run Water in Unused Lines to Reduce Water Age. Water age refers to the time water stays in pipes in houses. The average water age in household plumbing is 1-3 days. Residence of water for over 3 days leads to a loss of disinfectant and the resulting growth of NTM and other waterborne pathogens.

Increased water age can occur in plumbing in areas of a house that are unused; for example, in an unused bathroom or unoccupied wing of a house. The solution is simple, have someone not at risk for NTM disease to flush commodes and run water (5 min) in taps in unused bathrooms and in seldom used laundry tubs, half baths, and outside faucets.”

Adding practices that are simple and easy to do can add up over time to a healthier YOU!
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#Bronchiectasis #RespiratoryHealth #NTM #MAC #JosephFalkinham #WaterSafety #HealthTips #PatientEducation #WaterbornePathogens