August 19, 2020, 4:37 am | Read time: 2 minutes
In the summer heat, swimming is a blessing for the little ones. But despite chlorinated water, germs can lurk in pools. How children can stay healthy while swimming is explained by an expert at FITBOOK.
The sun is shining, everyone is sweating: How nice is a cool down! Whether in the swimming pool or hotel pool, when children splash in the water, parents should remind them not to swallow pool water due to germs and to shower before and after swimming. Otherwise, they could get diarrhea.
There are germs that survive chlorine and other chemicals in the pool. Children are particularly at risk because they swallow about four times as much water as adults, explains Monika Niehaus from the Professional Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ).
Infections from Germs in Pool Water
Possible consequences of an infection with parasites such as cryptosporidia and giardia are watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting–these appear about a week after swimming and can last up to two weeks.
Even the smallest traces of infected feces on the bottom are enough to contaminate the pool water, warns the pediatrician. This is also why showering before swimming is important. Parents should also send small children to the bathroom every hour while they are playing in the water.
Also interesting: During the swimming season, children are more prone to ear infections. Which home remedies can help, FITBOOK explains in this article
See a Doctor if the Immune System is Weakened
If children become infected with pathogens from pool water, they need to drink plenty of fluids. If their immune system is also weakened, parents should take them to a doctor, advises Niehaus. Afterward, they should stay out of the pool for two weeks to prevent spreading the pathogens. This applies even if the children no longer have symptoms, as they can still shed the germs for a longer period.