Treatment:

Antibiotics are used to fight the infection. Treatment is started as soon as Legionnaire's disease is suspected, without waiting for confirmation by lab test.

Antibiotics commonly used to treat this condition include:

• Quinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or gatifloxacin)
• Macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin)

Other treatments may include:

• Fluid and electrolyte replacement
• Oxygen (given through a mask or breathing machine)

Expectations (prognosis):

Legionnaire's disease can be life-threatening. The death rate is higher in patients with other diseases. The death rate for patients who develop Legionnaire's disease while in the hospital is close to 50%, especially when antibiotics are started late.

Complications:

• Lung failure
• Death

Calling your health care provider:

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have any type of breathing problem.