People experiencing diarrhea should avoid swimming, even if symptoms have subsided, as they can still release pathogens into the water, posing a risk to others. When diarrhea is caused by an infection, pathogens remain in the stool even after the individual feels better; a minimal amount of fecal matter is sufficient to contaminate water.
Pathogens such as norovirus, giardia, shigella, E. coli, and cryptosporidium can spread from human feces into swimming pools, hot tubs, or natural water sources. Swimmers, especially children, are susceptible to infection if they swallow contaminated water.
Pool water treated with chlorine does not guarantee absolute safety. Disinfectants require time to eliminate microorganisms and are not effective against all pathogens. Cryptosporidium, for example, can survive in chlorinated environments for over seven days, meaning a pool, even if clear and filtered, still carries an infection risk if contaminated with feces. Natural bodies of water like ponds, lakes, rivers, and the sea are no safer, as they are not disinfected and their water quality varies with the environment.
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Do not go swimming when you have diarrhea, even if symptoms have improved. Illustration: Vecteezy |
Furthermore, diarrhea causes dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and energy loss. Swimming before full recovery can lead to fatigue, dizziness, exhaustion, and a recurrence of digestive symptoms.
For common diarrhea, individuals should avoid swimming for at least 48 hours after their last loose bowel movement. If infected or suspected of being infected with cryptosporidium, it is necessary to avoid swimming pools and water parks for a minimum of two weeks after symptoms resolve to limit the spread of the parasite.
Only return to swimming when diarrhea has completely stopped for the recommended duration, and there is no fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, or signs of dehydration, and normal activities can be resumed. Before entering the water, swimmers should shower thoroughly, wash their hands with soap, and avoid swallowing water.
If diarrhea is prolonged, recurrent, contains blood in the stool, or is accompanied by high fever, severe vomiting, intense abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration, the individual should seek medical attention for timely assessment and treatment.
Several diarrhea-causing agents, including rotavirus, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A, can be prevented by vaccines. Rotavirus causes acute diarrhea, transmitted via the fecal-oral route. There are three types of rotavirus vaccines: Rotavin M1 (Vietnam), administered orally from six weeks to six months old; Rotarix (Belgium) and Rotateq (US), administered from six weeks to 24 weeks old, with the US vaccine extending to before eight months. Cholera, spread through contaminated water, causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration; it can be prevented with the Morcvax vaccine (Vietnam), suitable for children over two years old and adults.
Typhoid, on the other hand, leads to high fever, fatigue, headaches, dry vomiting, constipation, ulcers, and intestinal perforation, potentially resulting in death. The bacteria persist in feces for extended periods. It is effectively prevented by the Typhoid VI vaccine (Vietnam) and Typhim VI (France), administered by injection to children over two years old and adults. For hepatitis A, both monovalent and combined vaccines (also protecting against hepatitis B) are available. The monovalent dose is indicated for individuals from 12 months to under 16 years old or from 24 months to under 18 years old, depending on the vaccine type, with two doses administered at least six months apart. The combined dose is for children from 12 months old and adults.
Dr. Nguyen Van Mac Toan
Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System
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