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Can you get the flu from a swimming pool?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Mar 17, 2026

Can you get the flu from a swimming pool?

To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water. Can novel H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues?

Also to know is, can you get sick from a swimming pool?

The most commonly reported recreational water illness is diarrhea — often caused by germs such as E. coli, norovirus and Cryptosporidium (also referred to as Crypto). When a person with a diarrheal illness enters the water, the entire pool can become contaminated.

Additionally, can swimming give you flu like symptoms? Pools and lakes are full of germs that can make you sick. Some of the common issues you can get from swimming in a lake or pool are diarrhea, skin rashes, respiratory illness and swimmers ear. People typically contract one of these illnesses when they accidentally ingest contaminated water.

Subsequently, one may also ask, can you get viral infection from swimming pool?

Infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and molds, may threaten the health of swimming pool bathers. Viruses are a major cause of recreationally-associated waterborne diseases linked to pools, lakes, ponds, thermal pools/spas, rivers, and hot springs.

Can you catch anything from swimming pools?

Germs like crypto, E. coli, and giardia are spread in public pools where chlorine and pH levels are too low. Symptoms of all three illnesses include diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps.

What if you put too much chlorine in your pool?

Chlorine, either solid or liquid, is a pesticide used in pools to destroy germs, including those from feces, urine, saliva and other substances. But excessive exposure to chlorine can cause sickness and injuries, including rashes, coughing, nose or throat pain, eye irritation and bouts of asthma, health experts warn.

Can you get ecoli from swimming?

The E. coli is a marker for fecal contamination. Finding a high percentage of E. coli-positive filters indicates swimmers frequently contaminate pool water when they have a fecal incident in the water or when feces rinse off of their bodies because they do not shower thoroughly before getting into the water.

Can you get sick from swallowing too much pool water?

Although swallowing a small amount of pool water is harmless, it's important for parents to realize that ingesting too much can lead to chlorine poisoning or so-called recreational water illness, according to Dr. Sampson Davis, an emergency room physician at Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center in New Jersey.

Does swimming make flu worse?

Some people find after swimming with a cold, they feel worse. Some people feel a lot better, like it clears out their sinuses. When you swim with a cold you also increase the risk for other swimmers of catching your cold. Yes, chlorine kills viruses and bacteria.

How dirty is a swimming pool?

Each year, about 15 to 20 outbreaks of diseases, including stomach bugs and diarrhea, are blamed on dirty public pools, according to the CDC. A quarter of theses outbreaks are caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses that could have easily been prevented had the pools been properly chlorinated and monitored.

What to do if someone poops in pool?

Follow these steps to remove formed poop or diarrhea and disinfect the water:
  1. Close the pool to swimmers.
  2. Put on disposable gloves.
  3. Remove the poop using a net or bucket.
  4. Clean as much poop as possible from the item used to remove the poop and dispose of it in a sanitary manner.

What does swimmers rash look like?

The itchy rash associated with swimmer's itch looks like reddish pimples or blisters. It may appear within minutes or days after swimming or wading in infested water. Swimmer's itch usually affects only exposed skin — skin not covered by swimsuits, wet suits or waders.

How do I not get sick after swimming?

Preventative actions:
  1. Avoid swallowing any recreational water!
  2. Keep others safe.
  3. Shower with soap before and after swimming.
  4. Take children on frequent bathroom breaks.
  5. Wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
  6. Don't pee or poop in the water.
  7. Check chlorine levels and pH before getting into the water.

Can you get staph infection from swimming pool?

Head lice, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and pin worm are unlikely to be spread through the use of swimming pools. Information about the potential risk for spread of these health issues is included below.

When is swimmer's itch most common?

While the parasite's preferred host is the specific bird or mammal, if the parasite comes into contact with a swimmer, it burrows into the skin causing an allergic reaction and rash. Swimmer's itch is found throughout the world and is more frequent during summer months.

Can you get a fever from swimming?

Leptospira: Ingesting contaminated recreational water or through openings such as eyes, ears, nose and wounds can lead to high fever, headache, chills, Muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice,red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash. Some people don't have any symptoms.

How do you know if water is safe to swim in?

The best way to determine if a body of water is safe and the risk of water borne illness is low is to sample the water and check for Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria. E. coli is commonly found in the intestines of humans and other mammals.

What bacteria is found in swimming pools?

Shigella species and Escherichia coli O157 are two related bacteria that have been linked to outbreaks of illness associated with swimming in pools or similar environ- ments.

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Can you get the flu from a swimming pool?