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Pay Attention to Infection Transmitted from Pools!
- Eye Infections
Swimming pools facilitate the spread of certain infections due to heat and humidity. Improper use of chlorine-based substances for pool water disinfection causes irritation, corneal surface disorders, and weakening of the eye's immune system. Its symptoms are burring, redness, blurred vision, itching, burning, and stinging. People with infections in their eyes should not use the pool until their symptoms improve, considering the health of other pool users. It is appropriate for lens wearers not to enter the collection with their lenses. In people who enter the pool with their lenses, severe eye pain may be due to various infections. Therefore, it is essential to use swimming goggles when entering the pool or the sea.
- Infections of the Digestive Tract
At the beginning of infections transmitted from pools, digestive tract infections occur, manifested by nausea and diarrhea. A wide range of viruses and bacteria, including Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, Shigella, and E Coli (Travelers' Diarrhea), occur by swallowing the pool water that contains these microbes, as it can maintain its viability for a long time in pools with insufficient water circulation and chlorination.
- Genital And Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections and vaginitis in women, caused mainly by pools with unacceptable conditions, also occur as common and disturbing infections. These infections are manifested by symptoms such as burning when urinating, frequent urination, back and groin pain, pain in the genital area, itching, and discharge. Genital warts (HPV) can also be transmitted from pools.
- Skin Infections and Fungi
Some skin infections and fungi can be transmitted through the pool. Genital warts and ‘molluscum contagious are the main ones. It is known that increased sweating with heat facilitates the reproduction of fungi in the summer. Excessive amounts of chlorine used in pool water can cause skin irritation in some sensitive people. Skin diseases such as scabies and impetigo can also be transmitted from unhygienic environments or dirty towels.
- Otitis Externa and Sinusitis
An external auditory canal infection is caused by bacteria and sometimes fungi that love an aqueous environment. It causes severe ear pain, discharge from the ear and hearing loss, itching, swelling, and redness of the ear in advanced cases; due to prolonged exposure to water or ingress of water into the ear, the risk increases. At the same time, during water immersion, bacteria in the water can reach the sinuses through the nose and cause sinusitis.
So, What Should We Do to Protect Ourselves from These Infections?
- Do not go into pools where you think chlorination and water circulation are insufficient.
- Be sure not to swallow water in the pool at all. Do not chew gum while swimming, especially since water can be consumed while chewing gum.
- Prefer facilities where the children's pool and adult pools are separate.
- Do not sit for a long time in a wet swimsuit, be sure to dry.
- Give preference to those facilities where the feet are washed with antiseptic solutions before entering the part of the pool, where it is mandatory to take a shower and use a cap before entering the pool.
- After leaving the pool, take a shower immediately to clean yourself of possible germs and excess chlorine and wear clean clothes.
- Get dry as soon as you get out of the pool. Moisture is essential for developing certain bacteria and infections like scabies and fungi.
- Always use earplugs when entering the pool.
- Avoid going to the pool if you have an active ear infection or if a tube has been inserted into your ear.
- To protect yourself from sinusitis, use a nasal plug when diving into the pool or jumping into the water, or cover your nose with your hand.
- In terms of eye infections, it is helpful to minimize contact with pool water and use swimming goggles.
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Pay Attention to Infection Transmitted from Pools!
