No, you cannot catch a cold from swimming. There is a misconception that being wet and cold will get you sick, but it really won’t. Colds are caused and spread by viruses.
Now, it is important to stay warm after a swim though, so make sure you keep towel and dry clothes to change to when you’re done swimming.
Lastly, remember to stay hydrated, both before, after, and during your swim.
Why Does My Child Get A Cold After Swimming?
Your child or you will suffer a cold if you get the virus on your hands from touching the hand of someone infected with a cold, or by touching a surface that someone with a cold recently touched and then touching your nose, lips, mouth, or eyes and the cold virus gets into your system.
I hope that helps!
How to Avoid Getting Sick from Swimming
Avoid Swallowing Water
Swallowing as little as two spoons of water is enough to make you sick if the cold virus is in the water.
Chlorination of pools does not kill all the germs, since some germ types have proven to be able to withstand chlorination in swimming pools.
Rinse Off Before and After Swimming
Wash your hands and rinse your body off at the communal showers. It may seem annoying to share with other people but it is important you wash your hand before and after.
Take Bathroom Breaks
Take responsibility by taking everyone out of the water for frequent bathroom breaks and diaper changes.
Make sure no one who has had diarrhea recently should be allowed into the pool.
Watch Out for the Weather
It is a well-known fact that warmer temperatures make good breeding conditions for bacteria; as such, the bacteria count is most likely higher when the weather is warm, so it might be best to avoid swimming during these times.
Avoid Swimming After Heavy Downpour
Water during, or after heavy flooding or rainfall is most likely contaminated. So, beware.
Keep Your Ears Dry
Keep your ears dry during and after swimming.
Wounded? Do not Swim!
You should not swim with open wounds, especially with one from piercings or surgery.
Open wounds can increase the risk of getting an illness from others.
If you go into the water with an open wound, ensure you cover the area with waterproof bandages. Even better, DON’T SWIM AT ALL!!!
Don’t Swim In Murky Water
Avoid getting into the pool, if the water:
- Smells bad
- Cloudier than usual, or
- Becomes discolored
Discolored or smelly water could be an indication of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) in the area.
4 Tips to Avoid Catching A Cold After Swimming
Don’t swallow water
Taking in even a little itty bit of contaminated pool water can make you sick.
Shower and Wash Your Hands
It is crucial to rinse off before and after hitting the swimming pool area.
Hand-washing prevents any accidental swallowing of germs from your hand.
Avoid Swimming After Heavy Rains
Water after heavy rains or floods has a higher probability of being contaminated.
Pay attention to the weather
Warmer days can cause bacteria to be higher in the water, so avoid swimming on these days.
ALSO SEE: Hot Tub Makes Back Pain Worse
Swimming Pool Illness Symptoms
According to the CDC, the most common Cold Like Symptoms After Swimming In a Pool include:
- Skin rashes
- Ear pain
- Congestion
- Cough
- Eye Pain, and diarrhea
Others include watching out for flu-like symptoms after swimming in a pool like:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fevers
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
What Diseases Can You Get From A Swimming Pool?
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Eye infections
- Ear infections or swimmer’s ear
- Respiratory illness
- Cough and congestion
Sick After Swimming In Pool, What to do!
If you feel sick after swimming in a lake, pool, or other bodies of water, you should contact a doctor.
Can Swimming In Cold Water Give You A Fever?
The swimming pool itself cannot give you a cold. However, if the water becomes contaminated with the cold virus or bacteria, and you accidentally ingest contaminated water, then you can catch a cold or fever from there.
Untreated natural bodies of water can be contaminated by sewage runoff, wastewater, flooding, or someone having an accident while swimming – breeding pathogens, parasites, and bacteria.
SO, yes, you can catch a cold from swimming in a pool if the bacteria that causes the common cold gets into the water.
Although the chlorine in the pool might kill some germs, it might not kill all of the bacteria.
Can A Child Get Sick From Swimming In Cold Water?
Your child or you will suffer a cold if you get the virus on your hands from touching the hand of someone infected with a cold, or by touching a surface that someone with a cold recently touched and then touching your nose, lips, mouth, or eyes and the cold virus gets into your system.
I hope that helps!
Can You Catch A Cold Sore From A Swimming Pool?
Swimming pool itself cannot give you a cold. However, if the water becomes contaminated with the cold virus or bacteria, and you accidentally ingest contaminated water, then you can catch a cold or fever from there.
Untreated natural bodies of water can be contaminated by sewage runoff, wastewater, flooding, or someone having an accident while swimming – breeding pathogens, parasites, and bacteria.
SO, yes, you can catch a cold from swimming in a pool if the bacteria that causes the common cold gets into the water.
Although the chlorine in the pool might kill some germs, it might not kill all of the bacteria.
Can You Get A Cold From A Swimming Pool?
The swimming pool itself cannot give you a cold. However, if the water becomes contaminated with the cold virus or bacteria, and you accidentally ingest contaminated water, then you can catch a cold or fever from there.
Untreated natural bodies of water can be contaminated by sewage runoff, wastewater, flooding, or someone having an accident while swimming – breeding pathogens, parasites, and bacteria.
SO, yes, you can catch a cold from swimming in a pool if the bacteria that causes the common cold gets into the water.
Although the chlorine in the pool might kill some germs, it might not kill all of the bacteria.
Can You Catch A Cold After Swimming?
The swimming pool itself cannot give you a cold. However, if the water becomes contaminated with the cold virus or bacteria, and you accidentally ingest contaminated water, then you can catch a cold or fever from there.
Untreated natural bodies of water can be contaminated by sewage runoff, wastewater, flooding, or someone having an accident while swimming – breeding pathogens, parasites, and bacteria.
SO, yes, you can catch a cold from swimming in a pool if the bacteria that causes the common cold gets into the water.
Although the chlorine in the pool might kill some germs, it might not kill all of the bacteria.
Is It Healthy To Swim In Cold Water?
While swimming in water has benefits and risks, cold water swimming can help one build endurance both physically and mentally.
So, is it safe to swim in the sea in winter? And can you get sick from swimming in cold water?
For those healthy and brave enough, the risk related to swimming in cold water, winter or extremely cold water include:
- Hypothermia
- Cold-water shock
- Drowning etc.
- Germs (for those with a weakened immune system, especially those over age 50, smokers, and people with chronic lung disease).
We recommend wearing a wet suit, swimming with other people, and not entering the water too quickly.
When it comes to overall swimming health, it’s important to keep in mind that there is the potential to develop water-related illnesses.
If you feel sick after swimming in a lake, pool, or other bodies of water, you should contact a doctor.
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