Does Dr. Falkinham have anything to say about going on a river cruise?

Dr. Falkinham would discourage white river rafting, which would expose you to a large number of aerosols from the rapids on the river. A river cruise is not in the same category so likely you will be fine. The biggest challenge it seems will be keeping your gear clean and sterile.

Scoop, I was dismayed reading this and sent off an urgent email asking Dr Falkinham if you were correct about white water rafting. Since he says bottled spring water is ok, I hoped flowing rivers are. Unfortunately, you’re right.

Here’s his answer.
“The advice you hear at the Mayo Connect group is correct.

Rivers represent surface water that is unfiltered (unlike spring or ground water) and subject to flowing through forests where the NTM grow.

The only mitigating factor concerning river rafting is that the NTM aerosols are diluted by the large volume of air.”

He’s wonderful to answer our questions quickly.

I asked because late hubby and I were big paddlers and daughter grew up doing long river trips in summer (lived in Alaska).. I’ve continued to do something each summer since his death-sometimes big adventures like the Tatshenshini and other years just quick lake paddles. This summer, it’ll be a 50 year streak of paddling/floating each summer. Also, this summer, my youngest grandchild will be 6, the age some outfitters allow kids to go on some moderate trips. We’ve been waiting for that so whole family can go.

At least now, I know the risk. I can pick trips with lower rated rapids, breezy days and let grandkids sit to take the spray. ? Maybe

Scoop, I was dismayed reading this and sent off an urgent email asking Dr Falkinham if you were correct about white water rafting. Since he says bottled spring water is ok, I hoped flowing rivers are. Unfortunately, you’re right.

Here’s his answer.
“The advice you hear at the Mayo Connect group is correct.

Rivers represent surface water that is unfiltered (unlike spring or ground water) and subject to flowing through forests where the NTM grow.

The only mitigating factor concerning river rafting is that the NTM aerosols are diluted by the large volume of air.”

He’s wonderful to answer our questions quickly.

I asked because late hubby and I were big paddlers and daughter grew up doing long river trips in summer (lived in Alaska).. I’ve continued to do something each summer since his death-sometimes big adventures like the Tatshenshini and other years just quick lake paddles. This summer, it’ll be a 50 year streak of paddling/floating each summer. Also, this summer, my youngest grandchild will be 6, the age some outfitters allow kids to go on some moderate trips. We’ve been waiting for that so whole family can go.

At least now, I know the risk. I can pick trips with lower rated rapids, breezy days and let grandkids sit to take the spray. ? Maybe

Sorry to be the one to burst your bubble on the rafting. There's so much to consider, such a bummer. Nonetheless, despite your frequent rafting trips you've stayed NTM free so you must be doing something right. I wonder if we keep up with dedicated airway clearance if that helps protect us from the various bugs. Stands to reason. Maybe there's research out there that documents this?

My ID doc gave me great advice 7 years ago - "Bronchiectasis is a disease you live with, very few die from it. You have to live your life! Take reasonable precautions, take a deep breath, and get on with it!"
Live healthy, do your airway clearance, let the kids sit in the spray and relish the summer.

Scoop, I was dismayed reading this and sent off an urgent email asking Dr Falkinham if you were correct about white water rafting. Since he says bottled spring water is ok, I hoped flowing rivers are. Unfortunately, you’re right.

Here’s his answer.
“The advice you hear at the Mayo Connect group is correct.

Rivers represent surface water that is unfiltered (unlike spring or ground water) and subject to flowing through forests where the NTM grow.

The only mitigating factor concerning river rafting is that the NTM aerosols are diluted by the large volume of air.”

He’s wonderful to answer our questions quickly.

I asked because late hubby and I were big paddlers and daughter grew up doing long river trips in summer (lived in Alaska).. I’ve continued to do something each summer since his death-sometimes big adventures like the Tatshenshini and other years just quick lake paddles. This summer, it’ll be a 50 year streak of paddling/floating each summer. Also, this summer, my youngest grandchild will be 6, the age some outfitters allow kids to go on some moderate trips. We’ve been waiting for that so whole family can go.

At least now, I know the risk. I can pick trips with lower rated rapids, breezy days and let grandkids sit to take the spray. ? Maybe