Is it possible to get sick in the pool? You can “bring” these diseases from the pool. What kind of infections can you catch?

Hello!

Of course it's great to go to the pool to maintain your health. Swimming heals the body.

Water has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. The movements help relieve tension from the spine and strengthen the back muscles. Water procedures harden and stimulate the immune system. The calories burned help normalize your figure. But is everything so wonderful and cloudless when spending free time in the pool? After all, water is an excellent medium for the reproduction and preservation of many pathogenic microorganisms. Also, high humidity, training conditions, public showers can be the custodians and spreaders of certain diseases. So what should you do to avoid picking up infections in the pool?

What pathogens are in the water

Let's talk about diseases that you can get while trying to improve your health. Let's start with those that affect when directly in the water. These are intestinal infections. Any of the pathogens that cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract can remain active in the aquatic environment for some time. Then, when it enters the human body through the mouth or nose, it becomes activated and the disease develops. Such guests can be E. coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Shigella, various viruses (entero, rota, astro and others), viruses that cause viral hepatitis A or E. Clinical manifestations of infection will be changes in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal pain , nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as manifestations of intoxication in the form of fever, poor health, and weakness. With the development of viral hepatitis - jaundice.

Adenoviruses

The water may contain adenoviruses, which, when entering through the mouth, cause intestinal manifestations, and upon contact penetration, the development of keratoconjunctivitis and pharyngitis. As well as other forms characteristic of the pathogen with the appearance of fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, enlarged liver and spleen.

Who is sitting in the old chimney?

Legionella may be found in pipes and shower installations, which, when dropped with water droplets into the upper respiratory tract, can cause specific pneumonia affecting the central nervous system. They are often severe, with respiratory failure, and in some cases may end unfavorably.

How to recognize syphilis

Even despite its inconspicuous nature, it is still possible to detect syphilis, including in the early stages - it is enough to be a little attentive and not relax when the disease suddenly “passes”.

The first symptom of the disease is a small nodule, papule, ulcer or other wound that appears on the genitals, in the anus or in the mouth. The wound is easy to ignore: it can be seen or felt, but it does not hurt or cause discomfort. Moreover, it heals without a trace within a few weeks.

If such a wound appears 10–90 days after unprotected sex, it must be shown to a doctor. Even if it seems absolutely harmless to you.

A healed ulcer or a disappeared papule does not at all mean that the disease has dissolved. The bacteria remain in the body and continue to multiply. The latent (unnoticed) phase can last for years before manifesting itself as dangerous complications. However, sometimes alarming symptoms still arise additionally.

Thus, the secondary stage of the disease, which begins between six weeks and six months after infection, can be recognized by the following signs:

Quite a large pink rash. As a rule, it occurs on the palms and soles.
Mild itching and rashes (including very minor ones) on other parts of the body.
White spots on the oral mucosa.
Wet pimples in the groin folds.
Enlarged lymph nodes.
Fever.
Weight loss.

These symptoms can be vague to the point that they are easy to dismiss. In addition, like the signs of the early stage of syphilis, they disappear on their own within a maximum of three months.

Then the disease again enters the latent phase. To one day manifest itself in the tertiary phase and deal a blow (possibly fatal) to health.

Skin attack

The skin is sometimes not protected from fungal infections. Various mycoses develop, including candidiasis, epidermophytosis and infection of the nails. The presence of microtraumas is a prerequisite for streptococci and staphylococci to enter there. Streptococci can provoke erysipelas, and both purulent folliculitis. Of course, more favorable conditions for these bacteria are created on the sides, rest benches, and in locker rooms. Human papillomaviruses can settle on the skin, which provoke the formation of thrush and warts, as well as poxviruses, and then a formation similar to molluscum contagiosum appears.

Can you get this from a swimming pool?

Myth 1.
STIs include: gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, anogenital warts (human papillomavirus), chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, donovanosis, gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis), mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, candidiasis, HIV, hepatitis B and C.

10 myths about sexually transmitted infections

This statement contains both reliable and unreliable information.

STIs do include: gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, anogenital warts (human papillomavirus), chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, donovanosis.

As for “gardnerellosis,” such a diagnosis does not exist at all.

The condition (and not the disease) of a violation of the vaginal microflora (dysbacteriosis) is called bacterial vaginosis, and can be provoked by many reasons.

This condition is not an STI and can occur even in girls who are not sexually active.

The biocenosis of the vagina includes a huge number of microorganisms, and a violation of the microflora can be associated not only with a microorganism called Gardnerella vaginalis (Gardnerella vaginalis).

Mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis are not STIs

and still remain a topic of discussion among doctors.

Both myco- and ureaplasmas are classified as opportunistic microorganisms and require treatment under certain conditions.

It is worth noting that both myco- and ureaplasmas can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, and then, entering the body of a healthy person, they can:

remain in the body in small quantities without causing disease;

remain in the body in small quantities, but at the same time cause clinical manifestations of inflammatory diseases - discharge from the urethra, genital tract, discomfort when urinating, etc.;

Detected in large quantities with or without clinical manifestations.

In practice, treatment is more often prescribed in cases 3 and 4, as well as before a planned pregnancy.

Candidiasis (or thrush), in fact, is a type of disorder of the vaginal microflora, but is not called bacterial vaginosis. Candidiasis is not an STI.

HIV, viral hepatitis B and C are infectious diseases.

Danger to the genitals

When visiting a sports complex, no one is protected from the risk of uroplasma, chlamydia, human papillomavirus, and gardnerella entering through the genital tract. They can cause inflammatory lesions of the genital organs. Also, it is banal vaginitis and urethritis of coccal etiology that can also be obtained here. And in this case, you should not blame your sexual partner.

That's how many different troubles a seemingly health procedure can bring.

Who and what diseases are at risk in the pool?

However, ideal care for such a public institution as a swimming pool is not carried out everywhere. In addition, the appearance of even one person - not sick, but a carrier of, for example, a fungal disease - already poses a certain danger to others.

It is easy to become a victim of illness in the pool if:

the condition of the pool does not meet sanitary standards;
your immune system is weakened and is not able to adequately resist infection;
there are wounds, calluses, scratches on the body, especially on the feet - these are the front gates for the penetration of fungus;
you are not taking the necessary precautions.

Bacterial and fungal infections, which then manifest themselves on the skin in the form of various rashes, are the most common pool diseases.

With a weakened immune system, those infections, especially fungal infections, that are safe for a person with a strong immune system can easily enter the body. Microscopic enemies of our health live everywhere - on the floor, on handrails and sides, on shared towels, in water.

When coming into contact with water and objects in the pool, you can get diseases such as:

fungal infection;
other infections that cause the appearance of warts, nodules on the skin (molluscum contagiosum);
lichen;
giardiasis;
hepatitis A;
bacterial dysentery.

Contrary to popular belief, urogenital infections (trichomoniasis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and others) cannot be contracted in the pool; they are not transmitted through water or contact with objects.

How to stay healthy

How can you try to protect yourself from a whole host of different microorganisms, and therefore from potential diseases. Well, of course, it would be nice to find out how effective and how regularly the water in the pool is purified. Are daily disinfection measures carried out in shower rooms, locker rooms and areas directly approaching the pool. But of course, it is not always possible to find out this information. And it doesn't depend on us. Often on vacation you don’t want to do this at all and think about anything bad.

Necessary measures

For you and me, as direct participants in the swimming event, it is necessary to understand for ourselves and try to convey to the children the following:

Be sure to take a shower before visiting and, even more important, after visiting the pool. It is necessary to wash your hair with shampoo, and your body with gel or soap and a washcloth;

the presence of abrasions, wounds, diaper rash and maceration on the skin is not desirable. If available, it is mandatory to use a patch with water-resistant properties;
Do not under any circumstances use someone else’s seat mats, towels, washcloths or hats;
do not sit on bare surfaces. To do this, have special coverings with you;
use only your personal equipment for swimming and hygiene procedures, including water goggles and fins;
Move up to the edge of the pool only in your own personal flip-flops or slippers;
try not to swallow water. To prevent it from getting through the nose, use special clothespins.

If everyone follows the recommendations at least partially, then the possibility of infection when trying to get healthier will be significantly reduced!

Goodbye!

Hepatitis A virus

Disease:

hepatitis A.

Main symptoms:

mild or moderate severity depending on the age and condition of the body. Typically characterized by high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Later, symptoms of jaundice may appear - the sclera and skin become yellow, stool becomes discolored, and urine becomes dark. An atypical course without jaundice is possible.

Flow:

The incubation period usually lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. After this, the first symptoms appear, which last from 5 to 7 days. Then the icteric period begins for 2-4 weeks, after which the body successfully copes with the infection.

Who is susceptible:

All. In children, hepatitis A passes more easily than in adults: mild or no jaundice is possible. In adulthood, in the overwhelming majority of cases, jaundice develops and a particularly severe course of the disease may require hospitalization.

Risk of infection:

largely depends on how strongly the pool water is chlorinated and how long the chlorine has been in the water. At a concentration of 5 mg/liter, the hepatitis A virus remains active even an hour after chlorination. If the concentration is doubled, it takes at least 30 minutes for the hepatitis A virus to be completely destroyed (4).

The problem of cryptosporidiosis

Unfortunately, the bacterium that causes cryptosporidiosis tolerates chemicals quite well. This is a common cause of diarrhea. The bacteria are found in fecal particles from infected people and can survive in water for several hours. This is a very serious problem - diarrhea can last up to two weeks. To reduce your risk, try not to swallow even minimal amounts of pool water. Do not swim in a pool where children in diapers are splashing. Do not visit if you have diarrhea - it will be dangerous for you and others.

Possible infections after swimming

According to medical professionals, swimming is rarely contraindicated for anyone, and everyone knows about its healing effect on the body. Water procedures evenly train the muscle frame, can correct posture and figure, and relieve stress. But when going to a sports complex or water park, you should not ignore the possibility of infection.

What do people get sick after training in public swimming pools?

Even if all the rules for water disinfection are followed, there remains a low risk of contracting infectious diseases. Among the most common problems of those who exercise in a public body of water, the leading ones are fungal diseases, as well as scabies with purulent skin lesions in children.

Fungal diseases

The infection mainly affects the lower extremities. Fungus on the nails and feet is characterized by rapid spread, but difficult treatment. The causative agent of the disease is filamentous fungi, which inseminate the skin of a healthy swimmer with spores after his contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.

Three types of fungi can survive in warm water for public bathing, causing the following diseases:

symptoms of dermatomycosis affect the skin and nail plates, gradually spreading to the hairline area;
manifestations of candidomycosis cover the nails, scalp, fungi are also capable of colonizing the mucous membrane of intimate places;
the result of insemination by a mold fungus (a genus of non-dermatophytes) is the destruction of nails and skin.

Remember! You are exposed to fungal infection not in the pool water, but on the surface of the wet floor near it. You can become infected in the shower, so the feet of visitors to a modern establishment must be treated with anti-fungal powder.

Threat to intimate areas

The possibility of contracting sexually transmitted infections while swimming in public pools is considered a myth. A person who wants to swim and has become a carrier of a sexually transmitted infection will simply not be given a medical certificate for swimming in the pool. But there is still a possibility that a sick visitor will be admitted to water therapy classes if he receives a certificate illegally.

Itching, discharge and unpleasant odor in the genital area after visiting public bathing areas are reasons to immediately consult a doctor. It is possible that these are symptoms of vaginal thrush, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, which develop in women.

Consequences of low immunity

The weakening of the body's immune defense, combined with damage to the skin of the legs by dermatitis with excessive sweating of the extremities, contributes to the spread of a viral infection. What else can you pick up while exercising in the pool:

Warts . Getting rid of seemingly harmless growths on the skin is not at all easy. Infection does not always occur after contact with a carrier of a viral infection; it is enough to be on a wet floor where a person infected with the virus was standing.
Purulent acne. The culprit of rashes similar to purulent sepsis is Pseudomonas aeruginosa; it can easily adapt to the aquatic environment. The high danger of the infectious agent for humans lies in the ability of the viral agent to cause the development of other diseases.
Molluscum contagiosum . Judging by the appearance of the neoplasm, which is considered harmless, it can be confused with a wart or pimple. The main difference is the spread of the virus over the entire surface of the body. But nodules tend to resolve on their own if you follow certain rules.

For you: HIV infection: features of the development of the virus and main symptoms

The threat of intestinal infections should not be ruled out, because while swimming in the pool, water often gets into the mouth, which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Doctors consider bacterial dysentery to be the most dangerous intestinal problem. Symptoms of high fever and convulsions require immediate medical attention.