While swimming is fun, it can also be risky if you get ill. Cryptosporidium, a type of bacterium, can cause diarrhea, rash, and infections of the eyes, ears, and lungs. Although chlorine kills many of these germs, it may not kill everything, especially Cryptosporidium. The bacteria can live in the water for days before being destroyed by the chlorine. Even a well-maintained pool can harbor cryptosporidium. These bacteria can be easily transferred to the body of an unwitting swimmer and can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea for up to three weeks.
A common way to protect yourself against this danger is to avoid swimming in pools that have been contaminated by human waste. Human waste, which is diluted with pool water, contains bacteria and parasites that can make you sick. In addition, people who have compromised immune systems are more likely to get sick from pool water than healthy individuals. Therefore, if you’re planning to swim in a public pool, you should take precautions and shower before entering the water.
Diarrhea is the most common illness associated with swimming. It can be transmitted to other swimmers by drinking contaminated water, which is highly resistant to chlorine disinfection. Consequently, swimming in water with diarrhea is not recommended. However, if you’ve already experienced diarrhea, you should avoid swimming until you’re feeling better. If you’re a pregnant woman or have a newborn baby, it is especially important to keep these germs away from the water.
