alt Hacker News> Do be aware of the need to use sterilized water to avoid a possible dangerous infection, though. Distilled water is the easiest way.
It must be noted that the infection is incredibly rare and requires multiple conditions (like dysfunction of the immune system, unsafe tap water...)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naegleria_fowleri#Pathogenicit...
- https://charlotte.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2023/03/DOHChar...
For example here in France tap water is disinfected with chlorine and hot water must be heated to at least 50°C which is enough to kill the microorganism.
On the other hand, depending how the distilled water is sourced (container bought in a supermarket...) & used (opened/closed daily...), it can actually create a much riskier source of infection.
Infection with Naegleria fowleri is incredibly rare.
A run-of-the-mill bacterial infection is much more common. There's more than one type of infection you can give yourself by putting water into your sinuses.
You're correct that it does require a source of the pathogen, be it the water, a poorly cleaned neti pot, or the interior of your nostril.