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Te Mana Ora l Community and Public Health are urging
swimmers to do their bit to stop bugs and infections from
getting into pools.
Did you know germs can spread
through the water in pools and spas and cause
swimming-related illnesses? Swimming pools are an ideal
breeding ground for serious gastro bugs. Although chlorine
works by killing off most bacteria, and viruses,
Cryptosporidium (commonly known simply as crypto) and
Giardia are particularly resistant to the standard
chlorine dosages you find in most pools.
Most people
who contract crypto and other gastro infections experience
symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea,
vomiting, and fever. Others, who have weakened immune
systems, can develop a serious, chronic, and sometimes fatal
illness.
“We all share the water we swim and play
in, so it is important to maintain swimming hygiene for the
health and safety of you, your tamariki, and whānau,”
says Dr Matthew Reid, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health,
Te Whatu Ora, National Public Health Service.
“You
can get sick if you swallow or have contact with
contaminated pool water. So if you have had a recent gastro
infection and haven’t fully recovered from the illness,
please stay away from pools and spas for at least two weeks
after you feel better.
“These symptoms can occur on
and off for weeks – which is why we are asking people to
respect a stand-down period of two weeks after their
symptoms subside, during which they should avoid swimming in
pools or sharing a spa. This is to ensure they have fully
recovered and are no longer infectious.
“We want to
raise awareness on how these bugs are transmitted in
community pools so that people can follow some simple advice
to help limit the spread,” said Dr Reid.
The key
things to remember if you have had a serious gastro bug
are:
- Stay away from pools and spas for at least
two weeks after you feel better - You wouldn’t want
to get into a dirty pool so even if you haven’t been ill –
always shower before entering the pool - Remember to
go to the toilet before you swim, to avoid unwanted
accidents in the pool. Take children for regular toilet
breaks as needed. - Report any ‘code browns’
immediately – community pool operators can clean as needed
and apply a stronger dose of chlorine to the area to make it
safer.
© Scoop Media
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