@lostinkc I think maybe we all think that too at the beginning . How did I get this? How long has it been in there? Back in 2015/16 I was quite anxious about that diagnosis and racked my little brain trying to figure out the when and the where. You could literally drive yourself nuts that way because there are a kazillion ways you can contract MAC/MAI. The important thing now is you know and can read about it being everywhere and kind of deduce the how and the where based on your lifestyle and then deal with it appropriately for yourself. ( ID doctor and pulmonologist and medication) And you have this site to come to for help. And that’s the real good news!! The people you meet and the information gleaned is just incredible. (irene5)