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Summer calls for a swim. After all, it is one of the most quintessential summer activities, especially for children. However, it can also come with health risks, as pool water can harbour microorganisms that spread infections.
To address this concern, Dr Asmita Mahajan, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate, shared her insights with the OnlyMyHealth team, shedding light on the common pool infections children are susceptible to and offering valuable tips on how to prevent them.
Also Read: Swimming For All Ages: Why It's the Perfect Fitness Activity for Everyone
Common Viruses That Can Spread From Swimming Pools
While swimming provides several health benefits, it can also expose children to various infections.
According to Dr Mahajan, an upset stomach, cramps, pain, nausea, and diarrhoea are some of the most common symptoms children experience after contracting a pool infection. She said, “Common viruses that cause these symptoms are enterovirus, Norwalk virus, and an organism called Cryptosporidium, which is particularly resilient and requires higher levels of chlorine to be killed.”
“Illnesses such as hepatitis A, cholera, and typhoid can also spread through contaminated swimming pools, which is why it is important to ensure that you use a clean, well-maintained pool with proper inspection practices,” she added.
Skin Infections In Children
Children are also susceptible to skin infections.
“If a child doesn't shower before and after using the pool, they are more likely to contract infections. These include swimmer's rash caused by bacteria or fungal infections like ringworm caused by Candida fungus,” the doctor shared.
She mentioned another condition called chlorine rash, which she said may cause redness, itching, and cracked skin due to prolonged exposure to chlorine.
Prevention usually involves limiting the frequency and duration of swimming sessions. If a chlorine rash occurs, applying hydrocortisone (a steroid cream) or an antihistamine cream can provide relief, advised Dr Mahajan.
Moreover, parents must ensure that their children shower immediately before and after swimming.
“If your child has a rash, a secondary infection, a discharging wound, or diarrhoea, avoid sending them to the pool to prevent spreading the infection to others,” she added.
Increased Risk Of Amoebic Meningitis
While mild infections either resolve on their own or can be treated with medications, certain conditions, like amoebic meningitis, are serious and life-threatening.
Amoebic meningitis is caused by a single-celled amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. When inhaled through the nose, the amoeba can reach the brain and cause infection.
Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, vomiting, photophobia, and blurry vision, which may appear one or two weeks after exposure.
"If these symptoms occur after swimming, inform your doctor immediately, as early treatment is crucial," Dr Mahajan recommended.
Also Read: Swimming For Health: Health Benefits For Mind & Body
What Is Legionella Infection?
Swimming in pools can also expose your children and yourself to a rare condition called Legionella infection, or Legionnaires' disease, which is a respiratory infection that can cause pneumonia.
According to Dr Mahajan, it is more common in places where the swimming pool has jets of water, like a jacuzzi, or during jet skiing, where there is aerosolization of the water.
She said, "The water can be easily inhaled by the child, leading to the inhalation of the bacteria into the lungs and causing pneumonia."
Treatment usually involves antibiotics, and the doctor needs to be informed if the child has recently been in a pool so that the management of the pneumonia can be handled appropriately.
How To Prevent Common Pool Infections In Children
Here are some ways to prevent common pool infections in children:
- Ensure that you always use a well-maintained swimming pool at a reputable place.
- Check how frequently the pool is disinfected.
- Visually inspect the pool for visible impurities or check the colour of the water.
- Verify if you can see the drain at the deep end of the swimming pool, and ensure that the drain covers are visible and in good repair.
- Ensure that there is always a lifeguard available to guide the children and other swimmers.
It is important to ensure that if your child has a fever, cough, cold, diarrhoea, skin infections, or a discharging wound, you must avoid sending him or her into the swimming pool to prevent infecting others.
Always shower before entering the pool and immediately after swimming.
Additionally, note that the disinfectants used in standard swimming pools are generally safe when used in the right quantity. However, it is important to ensure that your child is not exposed to chlorine too frequently or for too long. You can restrict the amount of time your child spends in the pool and the number of days or frequency with which the child enters the swimming pool, the doctor concluded.