Generally, no, your child should not go swimming with tonsillitis.
While swimming itself won't directly worsen tonsillitis, the overall condition and potential complications make it a bad idea. Here's a breakdown:
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Weakened Immune System: Tonsillitis indicates an active infection that weakens your child's immune system. Exposing them to other potential pathogens in a swimming pool environment can hinder recovery and possibly lead to secondary infections.
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Risk of Spreading Infection: Tonsillitis is often caused by bacteria or viruses that are highly contagious. Swimming in a public pool while infected increases the risk of spreading the infection to others.
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Exhaustion and Discomfort: Tonsillitis is often accompanied by symptoms like fever, sore throat, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing. Swimming requires energy and can exacerbate these symptoms, delaying recovery. As noted in the reference, a child with a "horrendous sore throat...or if your child is just plain exhausted, they should stay home."
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Medication Side Effects: If your child is taking antibiotics for tonsillitis, they may experience side effects like nausea or dizziness. Swimming could worsen these side effects.
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Potential for Dehydration: A sore throat can make it difficult to drink, leading to dehydration. Swimming can further contribute to dehydration, especially in hot weather.
Instead of swimming, focus on:
- Rest.
- Staying hydrated.
- Following your doctor's instructions.
- Keeping your child away from others to prevent the spread of infection.
