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Journalism of Courage
T he swimming season officially extends from April to September. So, though you might think you don8217;t need to find your way to the nearest pool to get wet this monsoon, here are some life-saving tips for the die-hard dipper.
n Can I get sick from swimming in a pool?
n Is the monsoon especially dangerous?
Absolutely. Since the rains are when disease germs breed, the chances of getting ill are higher. Swimming is the equivalent of communal bathing. Germs can enter your body if you accidentally swallow contaminated water. They can cause infection in your eyes, ears, nose and cuts and scrapes and make you ill.
n What types of diseases can I catch?
Many diarrhoeal diseases and other infections affecting the skin, ear, nose, throat and respiratory system have been linked to swimming.
You can get diarrhoea if you accidentally swallow water containing human or animal faeces. A pool can get contaminated with germs after someone has a faecal 8216;8216;accident8217;8217; in the pool.
Even clean and clear looking chlorinated water can act as an irritant. 8216;8216;Chlorinated water is a skin irritant in general, more so for people with a history of eczema or itchy rashes,8217;8217; says Dr R K Joshi, senior consultant dermatologist at Indraprastha Apollo.
People with low immunity, such as diabetics, are also at risk of fungal infections. Fungi tend to thrive in warm, moist places, such as between the toes, underarms and under breasts. Allergic rashes are also common.
n Doesn8217;t chlorine kill all the germs?
No. Some germs can survive the chemical in pools, hot tubs, and spas.
n Who is more vulnerable to pool diseases?
Children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems such as HIV-infected people, those who have received an organ transplant or those receiving chemotherapy may be more susceptible to severe disease.
Can I get sick from using a spa pool?
Yes. Skin infections are commonly spread through hot tubs and spas. The high water temperature of hot tubs and spas may cause chlorine levels to dissipate faster. As a result, chlorine in hot tubs and spas needs to be checked more regularly than in swimming pools.
