The very shower you use can pose a threat to your lungs. Research has revealed that millions of bacteria and fungi live inside the shower head and its pipes, which can enter our bodies.

People typically shower every morning. The goal of a morning shower is to feel clean and refreshed. Did you know that the very shower you use can pose a threat to your lungs? Research has revealed that millions of bacteria and fungi reside within the shower head and its pipes, which can enter your body through your face and breath every time you turn it on. So, let's explain how daily showering can contribute to lung infections and which bacteria pose a risk.

The shower head is a breeding ground for microbes.

. After you shower, the shower pipe and shower head remain warm and wet for several hours. This time is the most favorable environment for bacteria to grow. The sticky layer that forms inside the wet pipe after a shower is actually a home for microorganisms. When you turn on the shower in the morning, this biofilm is suddenly dissolved in the water and spreads into the air. Lab and home tests have found that shower hose surfaces can harbor millions to billions of bacteria per square centimeter. Most are harmless, but some dangerous types, such as mycobacteria and Legionella pneumophila, can cause dangerous lung infections like Legionnaires' disease.

Who is most at risk?

Experts say the bacteria found in showers pose little risk to most people, but they can be dangerous for those with weakened immunity, the elderly, or the sick. This is why hospitals and healthcare centers have strict rules for regularly replacing and disinfecting shower heads. A study conducted in the US also revealed that areas with higher levels of mycobacteria in shower heads also had higher incidences of NTM lung infections. These included hot and humid areas like Hawaii, Florida, Southern California, and New York. Be sure

Take these precautions before showering.

• If you shower daily, there's no need to worry. Experts offer some simple steps that can significantly reduce these risks.  
• For this, after turning on the shower, let the water flow continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, so that the bacteria accumulated in it overnight get washed away.
• If you're taking a shower, turn on the geyser first and let the hot water flow. Hot water from the shower also kills bacteria like Legionella.
• Experts suggest cleaning the shower head and pipes regularly. Wash the shower head with hot water or soak it in lemon juice.
• It is also important to keep the bathroom ventilation running; running the exhaust fan after bathing reduces the microbes present in the air.