How To Protect Yourself Against Waterborne Illness This Summer

Today I'm going to continue with the topic of common health issues that come up in the summer. This is not for you to be scared, it is intended for you to be aware so you can take the necessary precautions to prevent and manage illnesses.This week I will cover waterborne conditions.

Summer is the best season to spend outdoors and Let's face it we spend a lot of time in the water during this season too. It is a common misunderstanding that we are more likely to get

sick in the fall and winter than summer, so we tend to be a little bit more careless during this time of the year. However, this is not true; your chances of getting sick during the summer are equality possible than any other season. In fact, because we spend so much time outdoors and, in the water, we are exposed to many agents that can cause illness.

People often get sick during the summer by exposure to agents during recreational water activities. These illnesses can be caused by several types of agents such as viruses, bacteria, algae, parasites, and even chlorine gas. Germs can get into the water in several ways: when sick people get in the water, when they wash off of swimmers' bodies, when swimmers have diarrheal episodes in the water, and even when rainwater flows into near beaches and swimming areas.

Symptoms of waterborne disease are principally gastrointestinal like in the case of cholera and schistosomiasis, but upper respiratory and skin conditions also occur. Gastrointestinal symptoms are usually not severe and can generally be managed at home. However, some diseases can be severe and should be treated by a doctor. Cryptosporidium and Giardia intestinalis is the most common cause of gastrointestinal illness and are somewhat chlorine resistance, which means that the chlorine in your pool will not kill it. Therefore, you may get infected if exposed to it.

Respiratory infections are also typically mild and self-managed. However, it can also cause complications, and death has been reported to be high as 10%. Additionally, cellulitis caused by Vibrio vulnificus can result in serious illness, amputation, and death. Therefore, early and proper antibiotic treatment is essential. Chronically ill and immunocompromised people are at high risk of infection and should be informed accordingly.

The CDC recommends the following simple yet effective ways to protect yourself and prevent waterborne illnesses:

• Be responsible and do not spread your germs by avoiding swimming while sick or with diarrhea. Also, take a shower before entering a pool. Especially if you have diarrhea, one incident of diarrhea can release enough germs into the water that drinking a mouthful can cause diarrhea lasting 2-3 weeks.
• Avoid swallowing any chlorine-treated water. The most common parasites that cause waterborne illnesses are highly chlorine resistant.
• Don't drink water straight from streams, lakes, or other bodies of water.
• Minimize your exposure to hotel pools and hot tubs during June, July, and August. Hotels are the most frequently reported locations for outbreaks despite their extreme use of chlorine.
• Change children's diapers and hourly encourage bathroom breaks.
• Wash your hands with soap after using the bathroom or changing diapers. If you do not do it, germs on your body end up in the water.
• Do not expose open wounds or cuts to salt water. If you did get exposed, wash the affected area immediately with soap and clean water.

Remember, if you become sick, it is always a good idea to visit your primary healthcare provider. Especially if you do not see improvement in one or two days or if you feel you are getting worse.

As always, I'm here to help, feel free to email me if you have any health-related questions at: Toni@Moongazingapothecary.com

Regards,
Toni
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