Air Conditioners and Health: How Harmful Are They?

The use of air conditioners is linked to the surge in viral infections during the summer months, according to the president of the Cyprus Respiratory Society, Dr. Charis Armeftis.

High temperatures in Cyprus increase the risk of Legionnaires' disease, as people seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces.

Dr. Armeftis points out that the use of air conditioners can cause changes in the body and symptoms similar to upper respiratory tract infections, also known as 'air conditioner disease'.

The disease is due to poor maintenance of air conditioning systems' piping networks, where microbes can thrive.

Symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, fever, and weakness, as well as dry eyes, dry skin, and dehydration.

Transmission occurs through inhalation of microdroplets. Smoking, alcohol abuse, and immunosuppression increase the risk.

Treatment: Adequate fluid intake, nasal washes with saline solution, and, depending on the symptoms, decongestants or antihistamines.

Legionnaires' disease emerged in 1976 during an American Legion convention in Philadelphia, where 221 people were infected and 34 died. The bacterium Legionella pneumophila, responsible for 90% of infections, was isolated.