@pjas972j Well, as a confirmed Winter Texan and summer Minnesotan, a person with asthma and bronchiectasis, who has had both MAC and pseudomonas, I have NOT let NTM scare me away from my beloved southern home. Any more than I have let it keep me indoors in Minnesota in Spring, Summer and Fall. (Remember NTM is in the air, soil and water near Chicago too.)

When we say "NTM levels are highest" in some places, it is not at all clear to me whether these numbers take into consideration the population demographics. I would expect to see higher numbers in Florida where many retired people relocate or winter. Age is a great factor in NTM infection, since lung damage is more prevalent and immune systems weaken.

Here is what I can tell you - NTM is everywhere, you cannot escape it, but you can live side by side safely with it. In Texas, I live an hour from the coast and travel there often, but I also enjoy swimming in our community's outdoor salt-water pool (I do stay out of the hot tub 😢) I did this while I was being treated for MAC, and for 4 winters since I stopped the medications, with only 3 minor exacerbations in all that time. When it is windy and dusty, or I am doing yard work, I wear a mask (same in MN.) I take my prescribed meds, use my Aerobika and airway clearance daily, neb 7% saline a few times a week. If I have an exacerbation, we add levalbuterol, budosenide and more frequency. I am able to safely socialize - often outdoors - almost every day of the winter, can walk daily without fear of frostbite or slipping on ice, and am around other seniors who understand about protecting our health. (In our small community, sick people are expected to stay home - and may be asked to do so by staff.)

Also, if you are like many of us, NTM isn't your only concern - cold weather makes us ache. I hurt less, I breathe better than in the cold, I am more active.

So the question becomes, would your quality of life be better if you were in a warm place, doing interesting things, and being able to walk (or golf, bird watch, whatever your passion) in comfort?

Does this help in your decision-making?
Sue