How to handle RWI-related diarrhea
- April 18, 2013
- Pool Safety and Health,
Accidents happen, and if germs somehow made their way into your Phoenix pool, you might have a case of recreational waterborne illness, also known as RWI, on your hands. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common RWI is diarrhea, which can be caused by several different germs. If you or a family member gets sick, it’s important to treat the issue and take steps to prevent it from spreading to others.
Treatment
Most cases of diarrhea clear up on their own. In the meantime, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and avoid dairy products, alcohol, apple juice and caffeine for a few days, recommends WebMD, as these can make diarrhea worse. Lots of rest is important for recovery, as is making smart dietary choices, like avoiding high-fiber foods or those that are spicy or fatty. See a doctor if the problem doesn’t resolve itself after a few days or if there’s a fever, moderate to severe pain or vomiting involved.
Prevention
Your first step is to make sure that the sick individual doesn’t swim in your pool while he or she has diarrhea, as it can easily spread. No one else should swim in your pool until the problem is fixed. Keeping chlorine at the recommended levels and cleaning the pool is important, so schedule Phoenix pool service as soon as possible and set up regular appointments.