At the height of the heat and high temperatures of the season, there is nothing more refreshing than a few hours spent in the pools, which turn out to be overflowing with people.
Although the chemicals in the water (such as chlorine and bromine) used to disinfect the water, killing many bacteria and viruses that "live" in pools filled with people of all ages, there are still some diseases that put people at risk from attending. of swimming pools.
"You can get sick while swimming, just from water contaminated with microbes," says Jasen Kunz, director of a healthy water program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in New York.
Here are the diseases you are at risk of:
-The most common cause of outbreaks of illness associated with swimming pools is diarrhea
Millions of microbes can enter the water, especially when people are careless with hygiene in the pool. Various particles and microbes come out of people's bodies and they can be swallowed with the water while swimming in the pool. "People who have a weaker immune system are more at risk of getting a serious infection, and depending on the pathogen, it can be vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain," says Clare Rock, lecturer at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. .
- You may experience an ear infection
This is an infection caused by bacteria when pool water sits in the outer ear canal. When water stays there for a long time, it affects the condition of the wax and protective skin and provides a moist environment for bacteria to multiply in the ear area.
-Chemicals in the water can cause red eyes or a strong cough
Irritation can occur when chlorine in the pool combines with sweat, urine and dirt, all of which turn into threatening factors for your eyes and health. These chemicals, called chloramines, can cause red and itchy eyes, nasal irritation, coughing, and breathing problems.
Some tips on how to be more careful to protect yourself from these diseases:
#1 Look at the purity of the water
Before entering the pool water, see if the water clarity is visible to the naked eye! Find out if there is a strong smell of chlorine, if there are safety devices around, and if there is any written information about the water quality.
#2 Avoid getting germs into the pool
If you have small children, first change their diapers outside the pool and then go swimming, do not urinate in the pool, rinse well in the shower, etc.
#3 Take other precautions to minimize risk
One of the biggest things to avoid is swallowing water. Also, stay out of water if you have an open wound or use a bandage to cover the wound.
Suggested articles:
