Please, for the love of all that is good, avoid entering a pool if you’ve had diarrhea recently. The same advice applies to anyone who has been vomiting. Honestly, it should be a given that if you’ve been experiencing any liquid mishaps, staying out of public spaces, including swimming pools, is the best course of action.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued annual reminders about this crucial topic, especially as summer rolls around. Their latest report highlights a concerning rise in cases of cryptosporidium, a nasty parasite that can contaminate pool water through infected feces. In just one year, the number of reported cases has doubled, jumping from 16 in 2014 to at least 32 in 2016. While these figures may seem low, the implications of contracting Crypto are severe.
Understanding Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium can cause prolonged illness, featuring symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting that can last up to three weeks. This is particularly dangerous for young children and elderly individuals, as dehydration can become a serious risk. Adding to the concern is the fact that this resilient parasite isn’t easily eradicated by chlorine and can survive in treated water for up to ten days. It only takes a small amount of contaminated water for someone to fall ill.
Parents, especially, understand how hard it is to prevent kids from accidentally swallowing pool water. It’s not solely our job to ensure that public pools remain safe; each of us must practice common sense and refrain from bringing sick children into these environments.
CDC Recommendations for Pool-Goers
The CDC offers some straightforward advice for pool-goers this summer:
- Don’t swim if you’ve had diarrhea.
- Wait at least two weeks if you’ve been infected with Crypto.
- Shower before entering the pool.
- Provide frequent bathroom breaks for kids.
- Regularly check swim diapers for leaks.
While it’s true that most properly maintained pools can effectively kill many germs, not all pools uphold these cleanliness standards, and vigilance is required. Lakes and other unchlorinated waters present even greater risks.
Enjoying Summer Safely
The good news is that most people wouldn’t intentionally bring their sick selves or their children into a crowded pool. Therefore, outbreaks of illness in these settings are relatively rare. Summer should be a time for enjoyment, not anxiety over potential contamination.
However, I doubt I’ll soon forget the thought of a pool contaminated by diarrhea. And while it’s understandable that sometimes accidents happen, if anyone thinks it’s acceptable to swim after having diarrhea, I sincerely hope we never cross paths at the pool.
Additional Resources
For more insights into pregnancy and self insemination, check out this excellent resource from the CDC. And if you’re curious about home insemination kits, you might find our post on the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit valuable. Plus, for a deeper understanding of childbirth throughout history, take a look at this informative article on the evolution of childbirth practices.
Conclusion
In summary, let’s prioritize public health by practicing good hygiene in communal swimming spaces, ensuring we stay out of the water if we’ve had any gastrointestinal issues.