Doesn't the chlorine in a public swimming pool protect us from staph infection ?

Question

Doesn't the chlorine in a public swimming pool protect us from staph infection ?

Answer 1

Properly chlorinated pool water is a very good disinfectant and protects against almost all bacteria and virus infections.  

From wikipedia:  "Staphylococcal toxins are a common cause of food poisoning, as it can grow in improperly-stored food. One pathogenic species is Staphylococcus aureus, which can infect wounds. These bacteria can survive on dry surfaces."

As these are the most likely Staph infections, I don't think you're likely to encounter either one in a swimming pool environment, properly chlorinated or not.

Answer 2

Never have a false sense of security when swimming in a public pool. People often get very sick there. The incidence of diseases in pools is increasing so be very careful. Yes even in chlorinated pools. People get in the pool who have been sick, the disease is introduced into the water and is there before the water goes through the filter.

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EDIT you don't need to believe me---believe the Helath Department



It is up to everyone to help prevent cryptosporidium

This summer, swimming pools will be filled with millions of people having fun and staying cool. But did you know that germs can contaminate swimming water even if even if it is disinfected with something like chlorine or UV equipment? Learning about recreational water illnesses, which are spread by swimming in contaminated recreational waters such as swimming pools, waterparks, lakes, rivers and streams, can protect you from illness.    

    

Germs like “crypto” (KRIP-toe, short for Cryptosporidium) are spread by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. How does a pool get contaminated? You share the water with everyone in the pool. If someone with diarrhea contaminates the water, swallowing the water can make you sick.    

    

Crypto is resistant to normal pool chlorine levels and can live in a normal chlorinated pool for days. That is why even the best maintained pools can spread illness. Therefore, healthy swimming behaviors are needed to protect you and your kids from crypto germs and will help stop such germs from getting in the pool in the first place. Here are six "PLEASE" that promote healthy swimming:    

    

PLEASE don’t swim when you have diarrhea and for two weeks afterward. This is especially important for kids in diapers. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.

PLEASE don’t swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water your mouth.

PLEASE practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.

PLEASE take your kids on bathroom breaks or change diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late.

PLEASE change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and spread illness.

PLEASE wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Everyone has invisible amounts of fecal matter on their bottoms that ends up in the pool.

  

    

Want to learn more about:

• Crypto and other recreational water illnesses (RWIs)?

• Why you shouldn’t swim when ill with diarrhea?

• How some germs that cause RWIs can live for days in even the best-maintained pools?  

    

Go to www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming or to the Utah Department of Health website at http://health.utah.gov/crypto for more information.

Answer 3

why?..are u planning on stabbing yerself in a pool?

chlorine should kill staph but staph will only hurt ya if u get it inside yer body  and into yer bloodstream