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What are the Diseases Transmitted in the Pool?

What are the Diseases Transmitted in the Pool?

WHAT ARE THE DISEASES TRANSMITTED IN THE POOL?

Many different diseases can be transmitted from pools that are not hygienic,  not cleaned, and not maintained on time. The stomach, intestine, upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, external auditory canal, and eye infections are the most common of these diseases. Removing all kinds of germs, bacteria, and algae that threaten human health and performing large-scale pool cleaning frequently prevents these diseases. Especially in public pools, such diseases are more common. Both the cleanliness of the people using the pool and the cleanliness of the pools provide a more hygienic swimming pleasure.

1-STOMACH AND INTESTINAL INFECTIONS

Symptoms of stomach and intestinal infections from pools include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Organisms that affect the digestive system and cause parasites in the stomach and intestines enter the body by ingesting contaminated pool water. While the infection can be resolved with proper treatment, in some cases it can cause permanent and serious damage. 

HOW TO PREVENT STOMACH AND INTESTINAL INFECTIONS?

Shower before using the pool. If you are going to a pool you have never been to before, the cleaning rituals of the pool should be investigated. Care should be taken not to swallow water while swimming. After leaving the pool, you should take a shower and clean yourself. People with one or more of the complaints mentioned after using the pool are recommended to consult the relevant doctor. It is possible to get rid of stomach and intestinal infections for a maximum of 1 week. 

2- UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS

Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections from pools include colds, flu, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, laryngitis, and similar ailments. The infection enters the body from untreated pools affecting the respiratory tract or pools used by sick people. Upper respiratory tract diseases can be contracted by swallowing dirty pool water, and using pools with newly added chemicals before the waiting period is over. While such diseases can sometimes be solved with medication, sometimes they can become chronic.

HOW TO PREVENT UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS?

Shower before using the pool. If you are going to a pool you have never been to before, the cleaning rituals of the pool should be investigated. Care should be taken not to swallow water while swimming. After leaving the pool, it should be cleaned by taking a shower. Sick people or people with signs of illness should not enter the pools. If the ambient temperature in indoor pools is lower than it should be, people may catch a cold and their upper respiratory tract may be damaged. For this reason, those concerned should be warned about the ambient temperature. People with one or more of the complaints mentioned after using the pool are recommended to consult the relevant doctor. The recovery time for upper respiratory tract infections varies from person to person. 

3-URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Symptoms of urinary tract infections contracted from pools include abdominal pain, burning urine, fever, and frequent urination. Urinary tract infections that directly affect the kidneys and bladder are among the most risky pool diseases. Urinary tract infections called urethritis, cystitis, and pyelonephritis occur especially in public pools;

HOW TO PREVENT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS?

Shower before using the pool. If you are going to a pool you have never been to before, the cleaning rituals of the pool should be investigated. Care should be taken not to swallow water while swimming. After leaving the pool, it should be cleaned by taking a shower. When common pools used by young children and adults are preferred, children in the pool must use a pool diaper.  People with one or more of the complaints mentioned after using the pool are recommended to consult the relevant doctor. Urinary tract infection can lead to diseases such as diabetes and kidney stones. 

4-EXTERNAL EAR CANAL INFECTIONS AND SINUSITIS

Symptoms of the external ear canal and sinusitis infections from pools include earache, headache, and severe itching in the ear. External auditory canal infections caused by bacteria in the pool seeping into the ear and settling there is a serious condition leading to deafness. Sinusitis, on the other hand, is a disorder that causes headaches and inability to breathe properly due to blockage of the nasal passages;

HOW TO PREVENT EXTERNAL EAR CANAL INFECTIONS?

Shower before using the pool. If you are going to enter a pool you have never been to before, the cleaning rituals of the pool should be investigated. After leaving the pool, it should be cleaned by taking a shower.  The inside of the ear must be cleaned carefully, especially since it is very inconvenient for dirty water to remain in the ear. Ear plugs should be worn when using the pool. The recommended prevention method for sinusitis is to clean the nasal passages with plenty of water after leaving the pool and people with allergies should not neglect to use nasal sprays. People with one or more of the complaints mentioned after using the pool are recommended to consult the relevant doctor.

5-EYE INFECTIONS

Symptoms of eye infections from pools include symptoms such as burning, redness, itching, and decreased vision. Dirty pool water, pool chemicals added more than the required amount, and pools that have not been disinfected cause eye infections. Eye infections can be subdivided into conjunctivitis, trachoma, fungal keratitis, and similar subheadings and can be determined according to their degree. 

HOW TO PREVENT EYE INFECTIONS?

Shower before using the pool. If you are going to a pool you have never visited before, the cleaning rituals of the pool should be investigated. After leaving the pool, you should shower and clean yourself. When using personal pools, public pools, or business pools, pool goggles should be worn to protect against eye infections. In this way, since the water will not come into direct contact with the eyes, both the bacteria and germs in the pool are protected and the effect of the chemicals in the pool water is reduced.  People with one or more of the complaints mentioned after using the pool are recommended to consult the relevant doctor.

HOW TO PREVENT POOL DISEASES?

Protection against pool diseases:

  • If you are not sure about the cleanliness of the pool, the pool should not be used.
  • The requirement to shower before entering the pool must be respected.
  • Shower immediately after leaving the pool.
  • Goggles and earplugs should be used in all pools. 
  • People should not use the pool if they are diagnosed or suspected of any disease.
  • Make sure that the pool to be used is clean and swimmer inspections are carried out. 
  • Do not stay in the pool for long periods. 
  • No personal items (such as towels, glasses, earplugs, etc.) should be shared. 
  • Pool water should not be swallowed. This is especially important for children. 
  • If there is any open wound on the body, the pool should not be used.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO PROTECT AGAINST DISEASES BEFORE ENTERING THE POOL?

Before entering the pool, it is necessary to take a shower to prevent germs that can be transmitted from the body from entering the pool water. Chemical substances such as perfume, sunscreen, and deodorant can mix into the pool water and affect other people using the pool. Before entering the pool, a personalized swimming cap, goggles, and earplugs should be provided and used until leaving the pool. A clean swimsuit should be worn in the pool. Feet should be disinfected in foot pools. With the mentioned recommendations, both pool diseases can be prevented and a more comfortable swimming experience can be provided.