Regen 99, I believe it was another member who uses that special showerhead. I no longer take showers. Instead, I take baths (not deep and steamy ones), and I wash my hair over the side of the tub. I am ok with it because it is better for me than dealing with the shower issues.

As to gardening. Yes, zi did have to wean myself. I understand that mulch harbors this bacterium. Wood chips eventually decompose and integrate with the soil, but I believe they help to keep the soil from blowing, so they are definitely a help.

I removed my indoor houseplants and gave them to a good home with a friend. That was hard. I don’t keep fresh flowers in the house now because the water needs changing and harbors bacteria. Just not taking chances.

Where we used to live, I always grew herbs in pots, but where we live now has critters and deer, so things do not survive. However, growing herbs in pots would work well for you. Just be sure to rinse them well, and wear an N95 when working with potting soil. Also wear gloves and remove clothing to wash immediately. I have cacti arrangements on my porch he’s now, and I covered the top of the soil with decorative pebbles, to keep it from blowing.

I still trim my hedges because it does not involve soil, but I always use an N95, wear a hat, and I wear nylon gloves under my garden gloves. I also wear all that when I water because we have a lot of windy days, and we live in Gtwn, TX. The exponential growth has them digging up all the trees and building, constructing everywhere. So, there is always soil blowing in the air. People also hire yard crews that use those blowers, and the debris goes everywhere.

I believe that, if careful, you can still enjoy some gardening, but you should avoid digging or contact with soil.

I hope that this helps.