Swimming in a pool can be the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. But did you know that the local pool can carry risks like recreational water illnesses? Even in a chlorinated pool, germs can still be present and spoil your summer plans.
To help you stay healthy this summer, read on to learn the common types and symptoms of recreational water illnesses and what precautions to take.
Recreational water illnesses are caused by germs and chemicals found in the water of pools, lakes, or rivers- places you’re likely to spend time this summer.
These illnesses are spread by swallowing or coming in contact with contaminated water. Public pools are often a source of contaminants like bacteria and viruses. Even with proper cleaning and maintenance, chlorinated pool water can still put you at risk.
Waterborne illnesses include diarrheal sickness, skin infections, swimmer’s ear, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.
Diarrheal illnesses
The most commonly reported recreational water illness is diarrhea, which is often caused by germs like Cryptosporidium (crypto), Giardia, Shigella, norovirus, and E. coli. Even in properly chlorinated water, these germs can survive anywhere from minutes to days.
Symptoms of diarrheal illness include an urgent need to pass stool, bloating, cramping, nausea and vomiting.
Skin infections
Swimming pools are a common place to get skin infections like hot tub rash (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and athlete’s foot. Hot tub rash is caused by bacteria that thrive in warm, poorly chlorinated water, while athlete’s foot is a fungal infection often resulting from going barefoot in wet areas around the pool.
A common symptom of hot tub rash is itchy, red bumpy spots often around hair follicles and places where swimwear holds water against the skin. In more severe cases it can lead to fever, vomiting and headaches. Athlete’s foot appears as an itchy, scaly rash and can spread beyond the foot if you scratch the rash and then touch other areas of the body.
Swimmer’s ear
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear and is most commonly caused by water getting trapped in the ear, which allows bacteria to grow. Swimming in water that is contaminated, increases your risk of getting swimmers’ ear.
The most common symptoms associated with swimmer’s ear are itching, redness, swelling and pain in the ear canal, and in extreme cases, complete blockage of the ear canal.
Respiratory illnesses
Waterborne respiratory illnesses can happen if you breathe in water mist or tiny droplets full of harmful germs. If you accidentally inhale contaminated water into your lungs when drinking this can also cause a respiratory illness.
These illnesses can cause respiratory symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, or more serious bacterial infections like Legionnaires’ disease and other pneumonias.
Urinary tract infections
UTIs can be caused by contaminated pool water, especially if you stay in your wet bathing suit after swimming. While chlorine is a disinfectant, it can also cause irritation, making the urethra more susceptible to bacteria, increasing your chance of a UTI.
Common UTI symptoms include a burning sensation and/or strong odor when urinating, accompanied by pelvic pain (mostly for women).
If your summer plans include lots of time in the water, consider these safety practices to limit your chance of illness:
Waterborne illnesses are not 100% preventable and there may come a time when you get sick regardless of the safety measures you take.
Early treatment of recreational water illnesses makes all the difference in your recovery time. If you want your summer to go “swimmingly”, visit your nearest vybe whenever you’re feeling sick. Walk in or schedule an appointment 7-days a week at your nearest vybe urgent care.
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