You might get diarrhea after swimming because you've likely swallowed water containing germs that cause diarrhea.
Germs in Recreational Water
When you swim in pools, hot tubs, splash pads, or other recreational water venues, you can accidentally ingest water. Unfortunately, this water can contain various germs that cause diarrhea, as outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reference:
- Common Germs: These include Crypto, Giardia, Shigella, Norovirus, and E. coli O157.
- Germ Survival: These germs can survive in properly chlorinated water for minutes to days, depending on the specific germ.
How Germs Cause Diarrhea
When you swallow water contaminated with these germs, they can infect your digestive system, leading to diarrhea. Here's a table summarizing common diarrhea-causing germs found in recreational water:
| Germ | Survival Time in Chlorinated Water | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto | Minutes to days | Watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting |
| Giardia | Minutes to days | Diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, nausea |
| Shigella | Minutes to days | Diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps |
| Norovirus | Minutes to days | Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain |
| E. coli O157 | Minutes to days | Severe diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps, vomiting |
Ways to Minimize Your Risk
Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting diarrhea after swimming:
- Avoid Swallowing Water: Try to keep water out of your mouth when you are swimming.
- Don't Swim When Sick: If you have diarrhea, don't swim to avoid spreading germs to others.
- Shower Before Swimming: Showering before getting in the water can help remove some potential contaminants from your body.
- Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after swimming, after using the restroom, and before eating.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and others from getting sick from recreational water.
