c’mon stop peeing in pools!
Theres nothing more refreshing than cooling off in the pool on a hot summer day.
But as temperatures rise, pools and water parks tend to become more and more crowded with people.
The most common cause of swimming-related illness outbreaks is diarrhea.
Clare Rock, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Whats more, someone doesnt necessarily need to have an accident in the water for others to get sick.
So why doesnt the chlorine in the water kill these germs?
Jessica Lum, an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic.
Cryptosporidium, also known as crypto, is particularly resistant to chlorine.
[Usually] chlorine or bromine inactivates or kills germs in properly treated water within minutes, Kunz said.
However, crypto … can survive for more than seven days.
you could also get an infection called swimmers ear.
This is most commonly seen in children, and it doesnt spread from person to person.
Symptoms include pain, itchiness, redness, swelling and drainage from the ear.
Chemicals in the water may irritate your eyes and cause rashes or coughing.
This is why its best to shower before going into the water and to never pee in the pool.
But there are easy tips it’s possible for you to follow to avoid getting sick.
These reports can usually be found at the venue or on the local health departments website, Kunz said.
Does it appear to be secured and in good condition?
Are there lifeguards on duty carefully observing the swimmers?
If there arent lifeguards, do you see safety equipment, like a rescue ring?
Avoid bringing germs into the water.
Avoid getting poop in the pool, even the small particles that may be on your body.
And no matter how convenient it may seem, dont pee in the pool.
For kids who no longer wear diapers, verify they take frequent bathroom breaks.
Take other precautions to minimize your risk.
One of the biggest things to avoid is swallowing the water.
Also, stay out of the water if you have an open wound or cut, Lum said.
If you do go in, the CDC suggests using a waterproof bandage to fully cover the wound.
When youre done swimming, completely dry out each ear to prevent swimmers ear.
[And] consider using earplugs or a bathing cap to prevent pool water getting into the ear.
