Answered by
Dr. Suneetha B S
and medically
reviewed by Dr. Sneha KannanThis is a premium question & answer published on Jun 05, 2018 and last reviewed on: Oct 31, 2022
Hello doctor,
I wonder if chlorine levels in a normal swimming pool kill all the microbes. If someone with a fungal infection swims in a pool, won't it spread to others through the water?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Swimming is considered a safe recreational activity. But that is not totally true.
Chlorination of water is known to kill most microorganisms (which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites). But there are several factors to be considered:
1) Type of microorganism (some organisms may be resistant to chlorination).
2) Adequate chlorination (if sufficient chlorine is not added, there could be a chance of acquiring infection).
3) Duration of chlorination (when a microorganism is introduced into the water, the chlorine may not kill the organism right away, some resistant organisms may survive longer in the water).
4) Microbial load (the stage of infection of the infected person is also important, during the acute/highly infective stage, chances of spreading infection may be higher).
It is very important for people with skin infections or diarrhea to stay away from the pools for a period of 14 days after recovery.This can only be monitored by the people entering the pool themselves.If you are swimming regularly, try not to swallow water while swimming.Take a shower immediately after swimming.If you develop any symptoms like rashes over the skin or diarrhea, consult your doctor immediately.Request the pool authorities to put up a notice requesting members to stay away from the pool if they are sick.If you have kids who are swimming, follow the same advice, and change their nappies immediately after swimming.Also, take your kids to the toilet every 30 minutes during their swimming session to prevent them from excreting in the pool.
Was this answer helpful?
|
Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
I have diarrhea following constipation for a long time. Why?
A combination of Pantoprazole and Domperidone once daily for a few days ... Read full
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)
.. to infection by antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, Candida albicans, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens type A, Klebsiella oxytoca, etc. CDAD (Clostridium difficile-associated disease) is responsi... Read full
I am a swimmer and my rashes just got better with a steroid cream. Can I hit the pool?
Or, should I wait for some time because of the increased risk of infection (I am especially worried about ringworm) ... Read full
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
✶
Also Read
Flu A - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. Flu A and B viruses are resp...Read more»
H3N2v Influenza: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The H3N2v is a non-human influenza virus seen in pigs and can cause human infection. To know more, read the article belo...Read more»
Impact of COVID-19 on Female Sexual Health
Women have been affected and still face the consequences of Coronavirus on their sexual health. Read more about the impa...Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask a General Practitioner Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
