Think you're cleaning your sinuses for the better when you grab that neti pot and tap water? Brace your bacteria-loving-selves as we reveal the terrifying reality of unsanitized tap water: it's a freaking homecoming parade for microscopic killers.

Remember the brain-eating amoebas Naegleria fowleri, which caused fatal infections back in the day? It's high school reunion time, kids! There's a new study suggesting a similar, equally romantic amoeba, Acanthamoeba, may be partying up through your tap water. How hilarious is that?

In this laugh-a-minute study, scientists examined ten unfortunates who bagged some rare infections from Mr. Acanthamoeba. Guess what? They all loved rinsing their noses pre-illness. And where did the tap water come in? That's right – most of them partied with it.

Now, before you start packing for a life in a sterile bubble, it's worth mentioning that invasive acanthamoeba infections are as rare as hen's teeth. Less than 15 cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. But when they arrive, it's no romcom, folks. Often, they're more fatal than a date with a psychopath.

How do people get this joy ride of an infection? Apparently, Acanthamoeba could be raving it up in a lot of water types. Also, it might snuggle into your body through unsuspecting skin cuts or, more amusingly, through inhalation. The nose-rinsing connection is one of the new study's revelations.

Keep in mind, all the study subjects had bagged an immunity level weaker than a vegetarian vampire's, making them prime targets. For an average Joe with an immune system giving more kicks than a grumpy mule, the risk is as low as the chance of beauty sleep on a caffeine drip.

So, do we still rinse our noses? Hell yeah! Just not rookie-style. Distill or boil your tap water before you dive in nose-first. Infact, a survey (apparently, they love these things!) showed that 2/3rds of Americans believe using unsanitized tap water for nasal rinsing is safer than a nun in a convent. Break that chain, folks!

Nasal rinsing can be a godsend when done correctly. It promises relief from the torture of sinusitis, seasonal allergies, common cold and other irritating upper respiratory infections. It cleans your nasal lining, sends your nasal mucus packing, and shows the exit doors to the bacteria, viral particles, allergens, and pollutants that have set up camping sites in your nasal passages.

For the uninitiated, nasal rinsing uses a neti pot or a squeeze bottle to push sterilized water (laced with a saline solution, of course!) up your nostrils. Pair it with necessary medicines and you're on the road to recovery, minus the brain-eating amoebas.

Just remember, don't invite unknown amoebas to party in your brain. Use sterilized water for nasal rinsing and sleep easy. Or else, well…eat kale, or die.