Alright, people, this should be a no-brainer, but I’m going to say it anyway: Don’t jump into a pool if you’ve had diarrhea recently. The same goes for any vomiting episodes. Seriously, if you’ve had any liquid mishaps from your body in the past few days, maybe it’s best to skip the public pool entirely.
I don’t mean to be graphic, but it’s essential to emphasize a point that seems self-evident to many, yet is somehow overlooked by others. The CDC has to issue a reminder about this every summer, highlighting the risks associated with swimming while ill. According to their weekly “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report” (an ominous title, right?), there has been a noticeable rise in cryptosporidium cases, a nasty parasite that can thrive in pool water tainted by infected feces.
In 2016, there were at least 32 reported cases of cryptosporidium at pools or water playgrounds, a significant increase from 16 cases in 2014. This means that the prevalence of Crypto has essentially doubled. While the numbers may seem low, the parasite is not something to take lightly.
Cryptosporidium can cause severe symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting lasting up to three weeks. It can lead to dehydration, a serious concern for young children and the elderly. To make matters worse, this parasite is resistant to chlorine and can linger in water for up to 10 days, even in treated pools. Just a sip of contaminated pool water is all it takes to get sick.
While we may not actively drink pool water, we all know how hard it is to prevent kids from accidentally swallowing some while playing. Therefore, it’s crucial that everyone takes responsibility and refrains from bringing sick children to public swimming areas.
The CDC provides some straightforward advice for pool-goers: don’t swim if you’ve recently had diarrhea; wait at least two weeks after a Crypto infection before diving in; shower before entering the pool to wash off any germs; ensure your kids take regular bathroom breaks; and always check swim diapers for any accidents.
Now, before you decide to avoid pools altogether this summer (and I can’t blame you for feeling that way after reading this), remember that most properly maintained pools are safe and kill most germs. However, you should remain vigilant, as not every pool is cleaned effectively. And when it comes to lakes and other untreated waters, proceed with caution: swim at your own risk.
The silver lining is that most of us wouldn’t willingly expose ourselves or our kids to a pool while sick. Thus, outbreaks of these unpleasant bugs are relatively rare. We shouldn’t let fear overshadow our summer fun in the water. However, I can’t shake the unsettling image of a contaminated pool from my mind anytime soon.
And look, I understand that sometimes accidents happen, and you may not realize you or your child isn’t well when entering the pool. I can be forgiving in such cases. But if anyone thinks it’s acceptable to swim in a public pool just after experiencing diarrhea, I sincerely hope our paths don’t cross this summer.
For more information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, check out our privacy policy on another one of our blog posts here. And if you’re looking for resources about home insemination, make sure to visit Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit page, which is a trusted authority on this topic. Additionally, for those interested in understanding more about conception, this Wikipedia article is an excellent resource.
Summary:
It’s crucial to refrain from swimming in public pools if you’ve experienced recent diarrhea or vomiting to prevent the spread of illnesses like cryptosporidium. Follow health guidelines for a safe and enjoyable summer in the water.