Could your shower head be making your family ill? Studies show that a large proportion of household shower heads harbour dangerous levels of bacteria, including Legionella, the cause of Legionnaires' disease, and many other microbes linked to serious health conditions. The problem is not the water. It is the shower head itself. Traditional shower heads trap water in their spray plates after every use. That stagnant water, combined with warmth and plastic surfaces, creates ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply rapidly, ready to be inhaled as fine mist the next time you shower. More than just Legionella As reported by the BBC in October 2025, and backed by a growing body of scientific research, the bacteria found in household shower heads are linked to a far wider range of health conditions than most people realise. Lungs: Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires' disease, a serious pneumonia with a 12% death rate, widely believed to be frequently misdiagnosed. The same bacteria causes Pontiac fever, a flu-like illness with a 95% attack rate that includes children. Hair and scalp: Malassezia restricta, a fungus found in shower heads, is a known cause of dandruff and folliculitis. Around half of all adults experience dandruff. The shower may be a contributing factor that has never been addressed. Eyes: Malassezia fungi can cause keratitis, a painful eye infection. Acanthamoeba, another organism found in shower water, can cause a condition that leads to permanent blindness. Contact lens wearers face a heightened risk. Ears: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly found in shower environments, is a leading cause of swimmer's ear. If your family suffers recurring ear infections, the shower head may be the overlooked source. Stomach and digestive system: Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis has been found in shower water and is linked in scientific research to Crohn's disease, affecting around 115,000 people in the UK. Skin: Malassezia is linked to skin infections, particularly following beauty treatments that break the skin barrier. Blood: Pseudomonas aeruginosa can enter the bloodstream and cause septicaemia, a life-threatening blood infection, particularly for anyone with a compromised immune system, open wounds, or recent surgery. The solution RefreshFlip is the first shower head designed from the ground up to address bacterial contamination at the source. After your shower, flip the spray plate open. It exposes the surface to air, drying out bacteria naturally and breaking the growth cycle. No chemicals. No specialist products. Just flip. It takes a few seconds. Do it fortnightly. When you go on holiday, leave the plate in the open position so bacteria cannot establish while the shower is not in use. Why trust Fereno? Our sister company, AHP, has spent over 35 years developing Legionella control technology, trusted by the NHS, the Ministry of Defence, the UK Health and Safety Executive, AstraZeneca, Guinness, and Royal Family residences. RefreshFlip brings that institutional-grade protection into your home at a price comparable to a standard shower head. It installs in under 90 seconds without a plumber. Featured in HSE Legionella control training videos filmed at Holiday Inn Hotels and the Royal Liverpool University Hospitals. Proven in military garrisons, university hospitals, and government buildings worldwide. Key benefits Kills bacteria naturally by desiccation, no chemicals needed Installs in under 90 seconds, no plumber required Suitable for shower cubicles and standard-size baths WRAS-approved materials, strong, durable and lightweight Fortnightly maintenance takes seconds Over 20 years in development, backed by 35+ years of scientific research In the box RefreshFlip shower head Straight male to male coupling for standard shower arm connections PTFE plumber's tape Installation and operating instructions Public health information guide Specifications Dimensions: approx. 80mm diameter, 90g Material: WRAS-approved ABS, strong, durable and lightweight Colour: White with grey undertone Connections: 1/2 inch BSP parallel thread Flow rate: 8 to 10 litres per minute Not compatible with electric showers Warranty and delivery 12 months from purchase, covering manufacturing faults. Delivery free on orders over £20 (£3.95 under £20). Royal Mail, within 5 working days.